Trains cancelled, runways shut in Chennai amid Cyclone Michaung warning alert

• Cyclone Michaung has led to heavy flooding in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Nagapattinam, and Cuddalore districts,
• Nearly 5,000 relief centers have been set up in coastal districts to assist affected residents
• Eight NDRF and nine SDRF teams are deployed in Villupuram, Mladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thiruvallur, Cuddalore, and Chengalpattu 

Cyclone Michaung has led to heavy flooding in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Nagapattinam, and Cuddalore districts, with Thiruvallur district experiencing the worst. Chennai, the capital city, is submerged, leading closures of schools, colleges, and government offices. Chennai city and its neighboring districts received heavy rainfall overnight. 

As a result, schools, colleges, and government offices in Chennai and three adjoining districts will remain closed today, and the state government has urged private companies to allow their employees to work from home. Due to the heavy rains, bridge No.14 between Basin Bridge and Vyasarpadi has been temporarily shut down as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. This closure has resulted in the cancellation of six trains departing from Dr MGR Chennai Central railway station, including those bound for Coimbatore and Mysore.

Nearly 5,000 relief centers have been set up in coastal districts to assist affected residents. Chief Minister MK Stalin has urged the public to adhere to safety protocols and not venture out unnecessarily. Authorities closed Bridge No.14 and 14 subways due to waterlogging. Train cancellations and airport disruptions have occurred, with the Southern Railway ensuring full refunds for affected passengers.

Additionally, 14 subways has been closed after severe waterlogging. The city's airport was also not spared, with 12 domestic outbound flights and four international flights being canceled. Three incoming international flights were diverted to Bengaluru due to the weather conditions. The runway at the Chennai airport will remain closed till 11 pm today.

Chief Minister Stalin, reviewing safety measures, emphasized the state's readiness. Eight NDRF and nine SDRF teams are deployed in Villupuram, Mladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thiruvallur, Cuddalore, and Chengalpattu for relief and rescue. The Chembarambakkam reservoir's water discharge is reduced to 1500 cusecs to mitigate flooding risks in low-lying areas. The Chennai airport runway will remain closed until 11 pm today.