- By Nidhi Giri
- Tue, 15 Oct 2024 11:29 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Chennai Weather Today: Eight flights scheduled to operate to and from Chenni from Bengaluru, Andaman, New Delhi and Muscat have been cancelled, as per an official statement amid heavy rain alert for several districts including Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur. "Due to heavy rain in Chennai, eight flights scheduled to operate between Bengaluru, Andaman, Delhi, and Muscat have been cancelled at Chennai airport today," the statement said. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has predicted that heavy rain will continue to lash Chennai and its surrounding districts on October 15 and 16, with a Red alert issued for these areas.
The cancelled flights include: An Akasa Air flight from Bengaluru to Chennai scheduled at 7:05 am, an Akasa Air flight from Andaman to Chennai scheduled at 1 pm, IndiGo flight from Delhi to Chennai scheduled at 3:20 pm and an Oman Air flight from Muscat to Chennai scheduled for early morning.
"Similarly, four departing flights from Chennai have been cancelled: an Akasa Air flight to Andaman scheduled at 7:45 am an Akasa Air flight to Bengaluru scheduled at 1:40 PM, an Oman Air flight to Muscat scheduled at 8:40 am and an IndiGo flight to Delhi scheduled for the evening," as per the official statement.
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All other flights are operating as usual. However, since there is a possibility of further changes in flight timings, Chennai Airport has adviced all passengers to contact their airlines, confirm departure times, and adjust their travel plans accordingly, the statement added.
This extreme weather is predicted due to a developing low-pressure system over the southeast Bay of Bengal, bringing up to 20 cm of rain in these districts over the next few days.
Tamil Nadu Weather
Authorities declared a holiday for schools and colleges in the affected districts on Tuesday. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin advised employees in the IT sector to work from home from October 15 to 18, reducing the need for commuting during the severe weather conditions. Fishermen were also asked to avoid venturing into the sea during this period.
The weather system, currently identified as a cyclonic circulation, is predicted to evolve into a well-marked low-pressure area, potentially affecting northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and southern Andhra Pradesh. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the situation as the northeast monsoon is expected to arrive earlier than usual, raising concerns about widespread weather disruptions across Tamil Nadu.
In a press conference, S Balachandran, additional director general of meteorology at the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai, said that continuous rainfall is expected for 36 to 48 hours, although there may be brief intervals. He stated that while the situation is under control, residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas should remain vigilant. The IMD has ruled out the possibility of major flooding akin to last year’s Cyclone Michaung but continues to monitor the evolving system.
On Monday, Chief Minister MK Stalin chaired an emergency meeting with senior officials to assess the state’s preparedness. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Tamil Nadu Disaster Response Force have been deployed in vulnerable areas and rescue boats and emergency equipment have been strategically placed.
Meanwhile, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has arranged 200 dewatering pumps with capacities of 200 HP, 100 HP, and 50 HP. Ten lorry-mounted pumps are also on standby for any emergency situation. CMRL has identified 10 critical areas in Chennai, including Koyambedu, the Grain Market, Porur Junction, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Thiruvanmiyur, Indira Nagar, and St. Thomas Mount.
(With Agency Inputs)