Chennai rain in pics: Worse than 2015 deluge; roads turn mini-rivers, subways full to brim

Cyclone Michaung wreaks havoc in Tamil Nadu, causing massive waterlogging in Chennai due to heavy rains, leading to rising levels in the Koovam River.

Chennai airport, after a closure lasting nearly 24 hours due to severe waterlogging and strong wind conditions in anticipation of Cyclone Michaung's landfall, resumed operations on Tuesday morning.

Indian Meteorological Department's (IMD) report indicates Cyclone Michaung's expected landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam on the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh, forecasting maximum winds of 90-100 Kmph.

The Nerkundram bridge witnesses overflow from the Koovam River, surrounded by water amidst the cyclone's impact.

Train services were suspended due to Cyclone Michaung. However, several trains are set to run from alternative railway stations rather than MGR Chennai Central. Additionally, 25 trains have been cancelled for today.

Cyclone Michaung, positioned at 110km east-northeast of Chennai, is causing incessant heavy rainfall in Chennai and its neighboring districts of Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengelpet since Sunday evening.

The cyclone is currently moving at a speed of 10kmph in the west-northwest direction and is anticipated to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by forenoon today.

The forecast suggests that the cyclone is expected to continue its trajectory parallel to north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh, potentially making landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam by December 5 afternoon.

Numerous regions have experienced heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the last 24 hours. Perungudi topped the rainfall chart, receiving 29cm, followed by Avadi with 28cm and Alandur with 25cm.

Notably, Chennai's Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam observatories registered significant rainfall, recording 23cm and 25cm respectively within the past 24 hours, highlighting the intensity of the downpour in the city.

S Balachandran, the deputy director general of the IMD, has indicated that Chennai and the aforementioned districts can anticipate continued heavy rainfall and strong winds until tonight due to the cyclonic impact.

IMD's projections suggest that Chennai and its neighboring areas should remain vigilant as the cyclone progresses, with the potential for adverse weather conditions and persistent rainfall until the specified timeline.

Flight operations at Chennai airport halted from 9:40 am to 11:40 am due to continuous rainfall. Approximately 70 incoming and outgoing flights were canceled, and both the runway and tarmac stayed closed during this period, as per sources.

Due to high water levels, safety concerns led to the suspension of Bridge no. 14 amid Basin Bridge and Vyasarpadi. Southern Railway canceled six trains from Dr. MGR Chennai Central, offering full refunds to affected passengers.

The city police announced the closure of 14 subways due to flooding, attributing the shutdown to inundation. This measure was taken in response to safety concerns caused by the overflowing water.