Cyclone Michaung: Tamil Nadu postpones school exams in Chennai, 3 other districts

The Tamil Nadu school education department has announced the postponement of half-yearly exams in Chennai, Chengalpet, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur districts due to the impact of Cyclone Michaung. The exams in government and government-aided schools, originally scheduled to begin on Thursday, will now be conducted on December 14 and 20. The department is also considering preparing separate question papers for these four districts. However, half-yearly exams in other districts will proceed as scheduled from Thursday.

Heavy rains have resulted in flooding in Chennai, leading to the deployment of rescue workers to evacuate residents from affected areas. Cyclone Michaung made landfall in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday, triggering heavy rainfall and strong winds. The flooding caused by torrential rains has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, mainly in the manufacturing hub of Tamil Nadu. Rescue teams have been utilizing boats, inflatable rafts, and helicopters to save stranded individuals and provide essential supplies. The adverse weather conditions have also affected iPhone production at facilities near Chennai, with operations resuming on Tuesday.

The recent floods in Chennai have raised questions about the city's infrastructure and its ability to withstand extreme weather events. Chief Minister M K Stalin has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking financial assistance of Rs 5060 crore to address the damages.


"The floodwaters in Chennai's suburbs are still inundated. Many people are working in the field to ensure that everyone gets basic necessities like food and milk. We are continuing our field work with the hope that the situation will improve soon!" MK Stalin posted on X.

Local media showed images of rescue workers wading through waist-deep water and of submerged vehicles. Air force helicopters also dropped food rations to people stranded in flooded homes.