Heavy rain: Holiday declared for schools in Cuddalore taluk amid Cyclone Murasu impact

Schools in Cuddalore taluk will remain closed for a day following continuous heavy rainfall in the region. District Collector Sibi Adithya Senthil Kumar announced the holiday as rain accompanied by strong winds continued to affect parts of Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Puducherry under the influence of Cyclone Murasu.

The holiday applies only to schools in Cuddalore taluk. Educational institutions in other taluks of the district will function as usual, the Collector clarified.

Cuddalore has been witnessing heavy rainfall, while Puducherry has also received continuous showers accompanied by strong winds since midnight. The downpour comes as the northeast monsoon remains active over the region.

Cyclone Murasu crosses Andhra coast

Cyclone Murasu intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal before crossing the south Andhra Pradesh coast near Ongole. It crossed between Nellore and Narsapur during the early hours, between 3.30 am and 5.30 am, bringing heavy rain and winds reaching speeds of 120 kmph.

The India Meteorological Department had forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in Chennai and Tiruvallur districts. However, these areas received less rainfall than expected.

Rainfall has continued in parts of coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with weather conditions remaining unsettled.