Cyclone Michaung: Chennai airport shut for 2 hours, flights diverted to Bengaluru

The impact of Cyclone Michaung led to heavy rains in Chennai, resulting in the cancellation and delay of several flights. (Representational image)

The Chennai airport was forced to suspend operations for two hours on December 4 morning due to heavy rain and flooding caused by Cyclone Michaung. The suspension affected flight schedules, with approximately 10 Chennai-bound flights diverted to Bengaluru due to strong winds.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms on December 4 in various parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry due to the impact of the cyclone.

The cyclone is set to strengthen and reach the north Tamil Nadu coast during the day and make a landfall in southern Andhra Pradesh on December 5. The region, including Chennai and nearby districts, has been experiencing heavy rainfall, leading to flooding in low-lying areas since the previous night.

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has advised people to stay indoors due to sustained winds at speeds ranging from 35 to 80 km per hour.

“Dear Chennaiites next bands are moving into the city, sustained winds at a speed of 35 to 80km/hr. GCC requests you to stay indoors. Please do not go out unless very essential. Many roads are inundated. Stay home and stay safe. Please reach us at 1913 for emergencies and rescue,” GCC posted on X, formerly Twitter.

The state government has declared a public holiday for four districts of Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu to ensure the safety of the residents in these areas by minimising travel and facilitating precautionary actions during adverse weather conditions.

Services such milk supply, water supply, hospitals, power, hotels and offices engaged in disaster response, relief, and rescue activities are instructed to operate as usual, a government order said.

The state government has requested private companies to permit their employees to work from home.

Because of incessant rains and gusty winds the Madras High Court has issued a revised circular declaring a holiday for all courts in Chennai on December 4. The earlier circular, released on December 3, indicated that courts in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts would operate on December 4 but no adverse orders would be passed in the absence of lawyers or litigants.