Chennai and its neighbouring districts are reeling under a spell of heavy rain as Cyclone Michaung continues to wreak havoc along India’s southern coast. Several pictures and videos shared on X by social media users showed severe flooding and various areas of the city completely submerged. A viral picture also showed inundation at the Chennai airport.
Pictures and clips going viral on X showed Madras International Meenambakkam Airport flooded with ankle-deep water on the runways. The Chennai airport operations were suspended from 9.40 am to 11.40 am, PTI reported.
pic.twitter.com/ICeFbKIi0T— MasRainman (@MasRainman) December 4, 2023
Marina beach and Chennai AirportStay safe Chennai people#ChennaiRains #CycloneMichuang pic.twitter.com/8UgCVz9NmV
— Hari (@Harii33) December 4, 2023
The heavy rains triggered by the Cyclone Michaung have disrupted commute and daily lives. As many as 70 flights have been cancelled due to non-stop rainfall. The runway and tarmac also remain shut, sources said.
Sea plane ride anyone? Taking off from Chennai airport now.— Samit Singh (@kumarsamit) December 4, 2023
A post by the official handle of Chennai airport stated that no flights will be operational till 11 pm today due to severe weather conditions.
“#UPDATE | Airfield closed for arrival and departure operations till 2300 hrs IST today due to severe weather conditions,” the post read.
#UPDATE | Airfield closed for arrival and departure operations till 2300 hrs IST today due to severe weather conditions.#ChennaiRains #CycloneMichuang #ChennaiAirport@AAI_Official | @MoCA_GoI | @pibchennai— Chennai (MAA) Airport (@aaichnairport) December 4, 2023
Meanwhile, the situation has prompted volunteer groups and even residents to get their boats out to commute and rescue residents from low-lying areas.
Boat service #Guduvanchery #Chennai pic.twitter.com/xvo1GNo0oB— Chennai Weather-Raja Ramasamy (@chennaiweather) December 4, 2023
Many areas of the city experienced power outages and internet disruptions as torrential rains lashed the region. The storm is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast on December 5.
Several trains were also diverted, cancelled or delayed. Six trains originating from Dr MGR Chennai Central to destinations including Coimbatore and Mysuru were cancelled on Monday morning, the Southern Railway said, adding full refund shall be granted to all passengers of the above trains.
The Marina Beach, a landmark location in the city, was also flooded by the heavy showers on Monday.
(With inputs from PTI)
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