CHENNAi: In light of Cyclone Michaung, the Tamil Nadu government has declared a public holiday on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur districts. This holiday is sanctioned under the Negotiable Instruments Act of 1881.
All educational institutions, government offices, including public undertakings/corporations, boards, banks, and financial institutions in the aforementioned districts—Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu—will remain closed due to the adverse weather conditions prevailing in the state.
Nevertheless, essential services such as police, fire service, local bodies, milk and water supply, hospitals, pharmacies, power, transportation, fuel stations, hotels, and restaurants, along with offices engaged in disaster response and relief operations, will continue functioning.
The Tamil Nadu Government urges citizens to take necessary precautions as the Indian Meteorological Department has issued a Red alert for the state. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is predicted for Chennai and nearby regions.
According to the latest update from the IMD, the cyclonic storm 'Michaung' has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm as of 8:30 a.m. on December 4, located about 90 km east-northeast of Chennai.
The IMD has cautioned about heavy to very heavy rainfall on December 4 and 5 in north-coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Additionally, light to moderate rainfall is expected in most places, with heavy to very heavy rainfall and extremely heavy falls in isolated areas along the coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam on December 4 and 5.
The heavy rains in Chennai have significantly disrupted public life. Several areas such as Wallajah Road, Mount Road, Anna Salai, Chepauk, outside the Omandurar government multispecialty hospital, and other low-lying regions have been inundated due to continuous heavy rainfall.
The 12th Madras Unit of the Indian Army conducted rescue operations in Mugalivakkam and Manapakkam areas of Chennai, which were severely affected by heavy rainfall and extensive waterlogging.
Marina Beach, a popular spot in Chennai, experienced flooding due to the intense downpours, leading to road closures from Mount Road to Marina Beach caused by severe waterlogging. Numerous trees were uprooted across the city, resulting in substantial traffic congestion.
Operations at the Chennai airfield have been suspended for arrivals and departures until 11 pm today due to the severe weather conditions prevailing in the city. Eleven express trains from Chennai Central were canceled on Monday after water levels rose to dangerous levels at Bridge No. 14 between Vyasarpadi and Basin Bridge owing to heavy rainfall.
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