Tamil Nadu government has declared a public holiday in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts on Tuesday as heavy rains under the impact of a cyclonic storm continued to pound the coastal areas.
“All schools, colleges, educational institutions, and government offices, including the offices of public undertakings/corporations, boards, banks, and financial institutions in the four districts of Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu will be closed due to the harsh weather conditions in the state,” said the circular.
Cyclone Michaung, which has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm on Monday morning, has brought a spell of heavy rains in the capital city, triggering traffic snarls and road inundations.
The government has asked people to take precautionary measures as the Indian Meteorological Department sounded a red alert in the state and predicted heavy to very heavy rainfalls in Chennai and neighbouring areas.
Several areas of the capital city, including Wallajah Road, Mount Road, Anna Salai, Chepauk, outside Omandurar government multispecialty hospital and other low-lying areas, were left inundated due to the persistent heavy rainfall. The city also reported frequent power outages and internet disruptions.
The adjoining districts of Kancheepuram, Chengalpet and Tiruvallur have also come under sheets of water even as the government machinery was deployed to clear the stagnant water and inundation.
Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi said the Central and state government agencies have been deployed to ensure the safety of the people and to maintain essential services.
"The situation is being monitored by the Central and state governments at the highest level," he said in a social media post.
Meanwhile, at least 33 flights from Chennai were diverted to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) as Chennai airport has been closed for arrival and departure operations till 9 am due to severe weather conditions. As many as 70 flights arriving to and departing from the airport have been cancelled owing to non-stop rains.
“Not just Chennai, even Tirupati, Visakhapatnam all these regions have issues due to weather conditions. So, there are several delays and cancellations as well. We advise passengers to check the status of their respective flights and so far, 33 flights diverted from Chennai have landed at KIA here,” an official of the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) was quoted as saying by PTI.
Meanwhile, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has cancelled as many as 60 trains in its jurisdiction.
ECoR Public Relations Officer Ashoka Kumar Mishra said they are providing a round-the-clock helpline number for information or assistance for the convenience of the passengers. He added that the railways has also intensified patrolling at vulnerable areas by deputing patrolmen and watchmen.
Helpline Numbers: Bhubaneswar: 0674 - 2301525, 2301626, 2303060.
EcoR has done preparations and groundwork for managing Cyclone Michaung and its effects in the jurisdiction, Mishra further said.
Earlier, 11 express trains from Chennai Central were cancelled on Monday after the water level reached the danger mark at Bridge No. 14 between Vyasarpadi and Basin Bridge.
