Chennai Floods: All Schools, Colleges To Remain Closed On Tuesday Due To Cyclone

The Tamil Nadu government has declared the closure of schools, colleges, and government offices in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts on December 5 due to Cyclone Michaung. Additionally, private companies and establishments in these areas are urged to allow employees to work from home, considering the anticipated heavy rains and their impact.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alert and warnings of intense rainfall on December 4 and 5 in north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam are expected to experience light to moderate rainfall in most places, with heavy to very heavy rainfall in a few areas and extremely heavy falls in isolated spots on the same days.

The torrential downpour has caused severe waterlogging in Chennai and nearby regions. Many areas in Chennai were submerged, leading to complete immersion of vehicles. The incessant rain overnight resulted in widespread waterlogging across the state, causing traffic disruptions in various parts of the city.

Earlier today, Chennai airport announced the suspension of both arrivals and departures until 11 pm due to severe weather conditions. Nearly 400 flights to and from the airport were canceled due to continuous rainfall. Amidst heavy rains, 33 flights scheduled for Chennai were redirected to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on Monday. Indigo, SpiceJet, Etihad, Lufthansa, and Gulf Air flights, both domestic and international, were among those diverted to Bangalore.

Southern Railways also provided updates on train services, citing the cancellation of eleven express trains departing from Chennai Central and alterations in the schedules of 12 trains. Additionally, five trains were terminated early on Monday due to rising water levels at Bridge No. 14 between Vyasarpadi and Basin Bridge caused by heavy rainfall.