Cyclone Michaung disrupts flight, train services in Chennai; helpline numbers launched for industrial parks

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"All schools, colleges, educational institutions, government offices, including the offices of public undertakings/corporations, boards, banks, financial institutions, etc., in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts will be closed on December 5 (Tuesday). However, all essential services such as police, fire service, local bodies, milk supply, water supply, hospitals/medical shops, power supply, transport, fuel outlets, hotels/restaurants, etc., and the offices engaged in disaster response, relief, and rescue activities shall function as usual," according to a government notification issued on December 4.

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Water-logging has been reported in several areas of Chennai, particularly on the city's tech corridor, Old Mahabalipuram Road, and near the World Trade Center at Perungudi. Low-lying areas have been particularly affected, with water entering homes in various locations.

Airports Authority of India (AAI) on December 4 said that departure and arrival operations at Chennai airport have been suspended till 11 pm.

Many incoming flights have been diverted to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Trichy after "airfield closed for arrival and departure operations till 11pm due to severe weather conditions".

Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates Kempegowda International Airport, has said that 33 international and domestic flights have been diverted to Bengaluru from Chennai.

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In a passenger advisory dated December 4, BIAL stated: 'Due to adverse weather conditions in the region and the temporary closure of arrival operations at Chennai airport on December 4, 2023, scheduled departures from Bengaluru airport to Chennai, Tirupati, and Vijayawada are experiencing delays or cancellations. Passengers are requested to check with their respective airlines for alerts and updates.'"

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Southern Railway said train services to and from Chennai has affected. There have been cancellations and diversions of some train services, and some trains are being terminated at Katpadi, with cancellations between Katpadi and Dr MGR Chennai Central.

Southern railway officials stated that suburban trains in Chennai will operate as passenger specials every hour in all sections. "Due to water flowing above the danger level, bridge no. 14 between Basin Bridge and Vyasarpadi has been suspended for safety reasons. As a result, six trains originating from Dr MGR Chennai Central on December 4 have been canceled. In light of the cancellation of these trains, a full refund will be granted to all passengers affected by these cancellations," said a Southern railway spokesperson.

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State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamilnadu Ltd (SIPCOT) stated that they are continuously monitoring and clearing hurdles within the industrial park using patrol teams. "Only essential supply companies are operational during this cyclone to ensure a continuous supply of commodities to the general public. Clearing fallen trees, restoring power, water supply to the companies, and pumping out water inundation are ongoing," the statement said.

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SIPCOT has established helplines for every industrial park in and around Chennai: Sriperumbudur (9944855919), Gummidipoondi (9940116462), Irungattukottai (9841639491), Siruseri (9940040132), Vallam Vadagal (9894420600), Pillaipakkam (9444995720), Oragadam (9445214485), and Thervoy Kandigai (9543574675).

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Heavy rain is expected in Chengalpet, Kancheepuram, and Thiruvallur districts, until December 5 due to the impact of Cyclone Michaung. Chennai corporations and other government departments are involved in clearing stagnant water.

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