In the wake of the forthcoming cyclonic storm set to hit Andhra Pradesh's coast on December 5, relentless heavy showers continued to batter districts of Tamil Nadu especially Chennai on Monday.
The impact of cyclonic storm Michaung has led to widespread rains since late Sunday, affecting Chennai, Chengalpet, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and other surrounding areas.
The downpour has resulted in inundation in low-lying areas and numerous residential localities. Civic agency personnel are actively engaged in clearing stagnant water to mitigate the impact.
According to the latest update from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclonic storm "MICHAUNG" is currently centered over the Southwest Bay of Bengal, approximately 210 km east-northeast of Puducherry and 150 km east-southeast of Chennai as of 2330 hrs on December 3. The storm is anticipated to move north-northwestwards, intensify, and make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh) during the forenoon of December 5 as a Severe Cyclonic Storm.
The severe weather has taken a toll on transportation services, with cancellations and delays affecting both rail and air services in the region. Authorities are advising residents to exercise caution and stay updated on the evolving weather situation.
"In view of water flowing above danger level, the bridge no.14 between Basin bridge and Vyasarpadi has been suspended on account of safety reasons," and six trains originating from the 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.
As many as 14 subways in the city have been closed due to inundation, the city police said.
In 11 places, uprooted trees were removed.
At the airport, 12 domestic outbound services, including to destinations like Ahmedabad and Thiruvananthapuram were cancelled. Four international services, including to Dubai and Srilanka were cancelled by a private carrier, officials said.
Three arriving international services were diverted to Bengaluru.
At Velachery in the city, a portion of land reportedly gave way, leading to a deep pit and some people were trapped.
The Tamil Nadu government had called for the closure of schools on Monday due to the current weather.
