As Cyclonic Storm Ditwah continues to affect the southern coast and large-scale teacher demonstrations hit parts of western India, several states have announced school holidays for December 6 to ensure student safety and to allow education staff to participate in protests.
Cyclone Ditwah prompts precautionary closures in the south
District administrations in coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and parts of Andhra Pradesh have issued advisories and earlier notifications closing schools when heavy rains and gusty winds associated with Ditwah hit. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been issuing frequent advisories and multi-day warnings about heavy rainfall, squally winds and localised flooding across the south-east coast — prompting district authorities to take pre-emptive steps on safety grounds.
In metropolitan areas such as Chennai and neighboring Tiruvallur, local administrations previously declared holidays during the peak of rainfall and kept transport and rescue teams on alert; officials have warned parents to follow district bulletins for any last-minute changes.
Maharashtra closures follow teachers’ strike
Separately, a coordinated teachers’ and non-teaching staff strike has led to widespread suspension of classes in several Maharashtra districts. State and local teachers’ unions called the bandh to press demands including review of recruitment and sanction norms; as a result thousands of Zilla Parishad and aided schools remained shut and authorities advised parents to treat December 6 as a holiday in affected areas.
What parents and students should do
If your child’s school is in a coastal district or in regions where teacher unions are active, check the school’s official messages, district education department notifications or local administration social handles before heading out. For weather information and safety instructions rely on IMD advisories and district control rooms.
Bottom line
On School Holiday December 6, expect a patchwork of closures — mainly in coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and some Andhra districts because of Cyclone Ditwah’s after-effects, and in pockets of Maharashtra due to the teachers’ strike. Keep an eye on official district circulars and your school’s communication channels for the final word.
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Ambika Krishnamurthy is an education news writer dedicated to covering academic updates, exam alerts, policy changes, and student-centric stories. With a focus on clarity and reliability, she aims to keep readers informed about the latest developments in the education sector, helping students and educators stay ahead in their academic journeys.