Chennai experiences heavy rainfall as Cyclone Michaung approaches, leading to disrupted flights and the closure of runways.
Cyclone Michaung is currently swirling over the Bay of Bengal and is on a trajectory towards the Andhra coast. It has brought heavy rainfall to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, particularly affecting north coastal areas including Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Nagapattinam, and Cuddalore districts.
Thiruvallur district has experienced significant downpours. Chennai is grappling with widespread flooding, especially in low-lying areas. The cyclone is anticipated to make landfall tomorrow noon, expected to hit between Nellore and Machilipatnam.
Chennai and its surrounding districts experienced substantial rainfall overnight, with Meenambakkam recording 196 mm and Nungambakkam receiving 154.3 mm in the 24-hour period leading up to 5:30 am today. Consequently, educational institutions, government offices in Chennai, and three adjacent districts will be closed for the day. The state government has also advised private companies to facilitate work from home for their employees.
In response to the heavy rain, approximately 5,000 relief centers have been established in coastal districts to provide assistance to those affected. Chief Minister MK Stalin conducted a safety measures review last night and is actively monitoring the situation.
Chief Minister Stalin has announced that the state machinery is fully prepared to confront Cyclone Michaung, with ministers and officials actively engaged in the field. Emphasizing the importance of public safety, he urges citizens to strictly follow the provided safety protocols and refrains from venturing outdoors unless absolutely necessary until the storm’s impact diminishes.
In response to the heavy rainfall, Bridge No.14, situated between Basin Bridge and Vyasarpadi, has been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure to safeguard the well-being of the public.
The closure has led to the cancellation of six trains departing from Dr MGR Chennai Central railway station, including those destined for Coimbatore and Mysuru. Southern Railway has assured that passengers affected by these cancellations will receive full refunds.
Furthermore, severe waterlogging has prompted the closure of 14 subways, impacting transportation in the city. The Chennai airport has also been affected, with the cancellation of 12 domestic outbound flights and four international flights. Additionally, three incoming international flights were diverted to Bengaluru due to adverse weather conditions.
The runway at Chennai airport will remain non-operational until 11:30 am today.
In response to the situation, authorities have deployed eight NDRF and nine SDRF teams in the affected districts of Villupuram, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thiruvallur, Cuddalore, and Chengalpattu to assist in relief and rescue efforts.
The Chembarambakkam reservoir near Chennai has decreased its water release to 1500 cubic feet per second (cusecs) in order to minimize the potential for flooding in nearby low-lying areas.
