Tamil Nadu Rains: Schools Closed, Flight Services Disrupted In Chennai

Heavy rains have been lashing various districts in Tamil Nadu due to a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal. Since last night, Chennai and its suburbs have experienced moderate to heavy rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the deep depression may develop into a cyclone tomorrow.

Flight Disruptions at Chennai Airport

Severe rainfall, attributed to Cyclone Fengal, has caused significant disruptions at Chennai International Airport. Waterlogged runways and poor visibility led to delays and cancellations of several flights. Flights from cities like Madurai, Thiruvananthapuram, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, and Kolkata had to circle above the city due to unsafe landing conditions.

After some rain subsided, airport authorities managed to clear the runways, allowing certain flights to land. However, outbound flights to destinations such as Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow continued to face delays. In total, 15 flights were affected—seven arrivals and eight departures. Passengers are advised to check flight schedules frequently and plan for additional travel time.

Weather Forecast and Warnings

The IMD forecasts heavy rain in Chennai and northern coastal districts until November 29. Cyclonic winds are expected in the Comorin Sea, Gulf of Mannar, and nearby coastal areas until November 30. Fishermen are advised against venturing into these regions due to the hazardous conditions.

Balachandran from the IMD stated that "Tomorrow (Nov. 27) very heavy rain will occur at one or two places in Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai districts; heavy to very heavy rain is likely in northern coastal districts from Tiruvarur to Pudukkottai." He added that on November 28, similar weather is expected in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram districts with heavy rain also likely in Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi and Cuddalore districts.

Impact on Education

Due to the adverse weather conditions, schools and colleges in Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai will remain closed on Wednesday. Annamalai University has postponed all examinations scheduled for November 27 in Cuddalore, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, and Mayiladuthurai Districts. A revised examination date will be announced later.

Government Response

Following red and orange alerts for Tamil Nadu's weather conditions, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin convened a meeting with ministers and district collectors from delta regions. They discussed precautionary measures for safeguarding residents against the heavy rains.

NDRF Deployment

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed seven teams with canine units across affected areas like Karaikal, Thanjavur, and Cuddalore. These teams are prepared for widespread light to moderate rainfall with occasional heavy downpours expected in Chennai and surrounding regions.

The Chennai Meteorological Department reported that Nagapattinam received the highest rainfall of 127 mm between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM today. Other areas recorded significant rainfall as well: Cuddalore with 67 mm; Adirampattinam in Tanjavur District with 54 mm; Karaikal with 52 mm; Meenambakkam with 45.8 mm.

The situation remains dynamic as authorities continue monitoring developments closely while advising residents on safety precautions during this period of intense weather activity.