India, Nov. 28 -- All schools and colleges, including private institutions, in Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam will remain shut on Saturday, Home and Education Minister A Namassivayam announced, citing the heavy rain expected under the influence of cyclone Ditwah.

A release stated that the IMD has issued a red alert for Puducherry, warning of intense rainfall on November 29 and 30 as the cyclone moves through the Bay of Bengal, according to PTI.

Earlier in the day, Puducherry's Lt Governor K Kailashnathan held an emergency meeting with top officials, urging them to stay fully prepared as the union territory braces for intense rainfall from the approaching cyclone.

A red alert signals the possibility of very heavy to extremely heav...