Chennai and its neighboring districts in Tamil Nadu have been hit by heavy rainfall as Cyclone Michaung approaches the Andhra coast. The north coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Nagapattinam, and Cuddalore districts, have experienced torrential rain, with Thiruvallur district being the most affected.
Due to the heavy downpour, many parts of Chennai are submerged in water, especially the low-lying areas. The cyclone is expected to make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam tomorrow noon.
In the past 24 hours, Chennai city and its neighboring districts have received significant rainfall, with Meenambakkam recording 196 mm and Nungambakkam receiving 154.3 mm. As a result, schools, colleges, and government offices in Chennai and three adjoining districts will remain closed. The state government has also urged private companies to allow their employees to work from home.
To assist those affected by the heavy rain, nearly 5,000 relief centers have been set up in coastal districts. Chief Minister MK Stalin has reviewed the safety measures and is closely monitoring the situation.
The closure of schools and offices has resulted in the cancellation of six trains departing from Dr MGR Chennai Central railway station, including those bound for Coimbatore and Mysuru. The Southern Railway has assured full refunds for all affected passengers.
Severe waterlogging has led to the closure of 14 subways in Chennai, and the city’s airport has also been affected. Twelve domestic outbound flights and four international flights have been canceled, while three incoming international flights were diverted to Bengaluru. The runway at Chennai airport will remain closed until 11 pm today.
To aid in relief and rescue efforts, eight National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and nine State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been stationed in the affected districts. The water discharge from the Chembarambakkam reservoir has also been reduced to mitigate the risk of flooding in low-lying areas.
