heavy rainfall has affected Tamil Nadu, resulting in the cancellation of eight flights.
Chennai (Tamil Nadu), October 15: Due to heavy rainfall affecting parts of Tamil Nadu, eight flights scheduled to and from Chennai to Bengaluru, Andaman, New Delhi, and Muscat have been canceled, according to an official statement.
"Eight flights scheduled to operate between Bengaluru, Andaman, Delhi, and Muscat have been canceled at Chennai airport today due to heavy rain in Chennai," the statement noted.
The canceled flights include an Akasa Air flight from Bengaluru to Chennai set for 7:05 AM, an Akasa Air flight from Andaman to Chennai at 1 PM, an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Chennai at 3:20 PM, and an Oman Air flight from Muscat to Chennai scheduled for early morning.
In addition, four departing flights from Chennai have been canceled: an Akasa Air flight to Andaman scheduled at 7:45 AM, an Akasa Air flight to Bengaluru at 1:40 PM, an Oman Air flight to Muscat at 8:40 AM, and an IndiGo flight to Delhi planned for the evening, according to the official statement.
All other flights are operating normally. However, given the possibility of further changes in flight timings, Chennai Airport has advised all passengers to contact their airlines, confirm departure times, and adjust their travel plans accordingly.
The heavy rain has continued to impact Chennai, disrupting normal life and causing waterlogging and traffic congestion in the state capital on Tuesday morning.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin held a review meeting with senior officials and provided necessary instructions in response to the heavy rainfall. Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam convened a meeting with relevant officials to ensure necessary arrangements are made.
In anticipation of the rainfall, residents near Velachery parked their cars on the Velachery flyover to avoid damage to their vehicles.
An advisory has been issued to fishermen, advising them not to venture into the seas.
The Chief Minister has also directed authorities to issue an advisory allowing IT company employees in these districts to work from home from October 15 to 18, as stated in an official release.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is predicted in several areas of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with extremely heavy rainfall expected in isolated locations over northern Tamil Nadu on October 16.
According to the India Meteorological Department update on October 15, a low-pressure area has formed in the southern Bay of Bengal and is expected to move toward northern Tamil Nadu, southern Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry in the next two days.
Parts of Tamil Nadu are forecasted to experience rainfall over the next three to four days, with moderate rain in many areas. The IMD has issued an orange alert for Chennai on October 15 and a red alert for October 16.