Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu) [India], December 3 (HBTV): Schools and colleges in four districts of Tamil Nadu will remain closed on Tuesday due to heavy rainfall caused by Cyclone Fengal.

District Magistrate Lakshmi Bhavya announced that all schools in the Nilgiris district would be shut on December 3, 2024, due to the severe weather. Similarly, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted more rainfall, prompting closures in Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Puducherry districts.

In other districts, such as Ranipet, Salem, and Tiruvannamalai, only schools will remain closed. Schools in Thirukovilur Town, Kallakurichi district, and Pechampalli and Uthangarai Taluks, Krishnagiri district, will also remain shut.

On Monday, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin visited Cyclone Fengal-affected areas in Dharmapuri district and inspected restoration work on the land bridge at the foot of Vathalmalai.

Chief Minister MK Stalin criticized the Central government for not allowing parliamentary discussions about the cyclone's impact. Speaking in Chennai, he stated:'As part of our responsibility, we are assessing the damages and will send a report. It is their duty to respond, but they refuse to do so. Despite this, we are doing our best.'

The CM praised district officers and relief teams for their dedication in addressing flooding and heavy rains triggered by the cyclone. He assured adequate compensation for affected individuals, covering damages to livestock, homes, and lives.

Relief efforts include 18 rescue teams with 493 members actively operating across districts. In Villupuram, 407 personnel from seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and eight State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are deployed. In Cuddalore, 56 personnel are engaged, while Tiruvannamalai has a 30-member rescue team managing operations.

Efforts continue to restore normalcy amid the adverse conditions.   (ANI)