Cyclone Michaung: Three dead as heavy rain batters Chennai; flight operations suspended | Check Details
Cyclone Michaung: Three persons were killed while one sustained injuries when a recently built wall collapsed due to heavy rain and strong winds in Kanathur, Chennai, on Monday. Adverse weather also also led to flooding on the runway at the Chennai airport, leading to the cancellation of several flights and diversion of others.
Flight operations have been halted until 11 pm on Monday due to severe weather conditions. Earlier, incoming flights at the Chennai airport were suspended from 9:17 am to 11:30 am.
Currently swirling over the Bay of Bengal and heading towards the Andhra coast, Cyclone Michaung has brought heavy rainfall to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. North coastal Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Nagapattinam, and Cuddalore districts, experienced intense downpours, with Thiruvallur district facing the worst of the deluge.
Widespread flooding has submerged most parts of Chennai, especially low-lying areas. Cyclone Michaung is anticipated to make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam tomorrow (December 5) at noon.
Overnight, Chennai and neighbouring districts encountered substantial rainfall, with Meenambakkam recording 196 mm and Nungambakkam receiving 154.3 mm within the last 24 hours until 5:30 am today.
Consequently, schools, colleges, and government offices in Chennai and three adjacent districts will remain closed on Monday. The state government has advised private companies to facilitate work from home for their employees.
Around 5,000 relief centres have been established in coastal districts to aid those affected by the heavy rainfall. Chief Minister MK Stalin reviewed safety measures and continues to monitor the situation closely.
"Preparedness to confront Cyclone Michaung is in place. Ministers and officials are actively engaged. I urge the public to adhere to safety guidelines and avoid unnecessary outings until the storm's impact diminishes," Chief Minister Stalin posted on X.
As a precautionary measure, Bridge No.14 between Basin Bridge and Vyasarpadi has been temporarily closed, leading to the cancellation of six trains from Dr MGR Chennai Central railway station. Southern Railway has assured full refunds to affected passengers.
Moreover, 14 subways were closed due to severe waterlogging, and 12 domestic outbound flights and four international flights were cancelled at the city's airport. The Chennai airport's runway will remain closed until 11:30 pm.
Eight NDRF and nine SDRF teams have been stationed in affected districts for relief and rescue operations. To prevent flooding in low-lying areas, water discharge from the Chembarambakkam reservoir outside Chennai has been reduced to 1,500 cusecs.
The authorities continue to work diligently to manage the aftermath of the heavy rain and cyclonic conditions in the region.
The southern districts of West Bengal, notably Kolkata, might experience the impact of Cyclone Michuang. According to the Meteorological Department's forecast, there is an expectation of light to moderate rainfall in Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Kolkata, Howrah, and Hooghly on December 6 and 7.
- With inputs from agencies
