Precautionary holiday declared for schools, colleges in Mumbai as cyclone Ockhi closes in
Minister Vinod Tawde announced the precautionary holiday on Tuesday as rainfall and winds are expected to grow stronger (Representational Image Courtesy: Matrubhumi)
Maharashtra government has announced a precautionary holiday on Tuesday for schools and colleges in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region in the wake of cyclone Ockhi.
Apart from Mumbai, educational institutions in Sindhudurga, Thane, Raigad and Palghar Districts will also be shut.
Related: Mumbai University students to have college, exams as scheduled on Tuesday
Maharashtra Minister Vinod Tawde made the announcement on Monday evening, keeping the safety of students in mind, as parts of Mumbai received rainfall.
Although light showers were expected on Monday, the rainfall and winds are expected to grow stronger on Tuesday.
“Precautionary holiday declared on 5/12/17 for schools and colleges in Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Sindhudurga, Thane, Raigad and Palghar Districts for the safety of the students due to the serious weather predictions on #CycloneOckhi #MumbaiRains,” he tweeted.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier predicted rain and thundershowers in Gujarat and Maharashtra as cyclone Ockhi moved towards the north-west of Lakshadweep over the Arabian Sea.
Related: Mumbai may see light showers over next 48 hours as cyclone Ockhi makes landfall in Maharashtra
The weather department had also asked fishermen from Maharashtra and south Gujarat to not venture into the sea and asked citizens to brace for rain, thundershowers, and strong winds over the next two days.
The cyclonic storm is around 670 kms south-west of Mumbai and moving in the north-east direction. Its intensity, fortunately, is likely to weaken after Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the coast guard and other maritime agencies have been put on high alert to avoid any loss of life.
The state’s maritime agencies have already rescued over 100 boats and 1,500 fisherman that were caught in rough seas due to the cyclone.
Cyclone Ockhi devastated coastal areas in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep last week, claiming 19 lives and displacing countless others.
