IMD forecasts that deep depression over the Bay of Bengal will move north-northwest, skirting Sri Lanka, and intensify into a cyclonic storm.

All schools and colleges in Puducherry and Karaikal will shut on November 29 and 30 because of heavy rain warnings. The Eastern Naval Command has activated a disaster response mechanism. Chennai and surrounding areas are expected to experience heavy rainfall,

In response to the looming threat of Cyclone Fengal, authorities in Puducherry and Karaikal have announced the closure of all schools and colleges

The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for rain for Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam and Thiruvarur districts in Tamil Nadu and Karaikal in Puducherry.

A deep depression in the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm, moving north-northwest and skirting Sri Lanka before crossing the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts. Tamil Nadu and Puducherry brace for heavy rains.

All government, government-aided schools, private schools and colleges in Puducherry and Karaikal regions will remain closed on Thursday due to heavy rain, said Education Minister Arumugam Namassivaya

Heavy rainfall in Chennai and neighbouring districts has led to school closures and holidays in areas including Chennai, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur. The India Meteorological Department, IMD, has issued warnings of continued rain,