Chennai Rains: Schools, Colleges Shut; Several Flights Cancelled As TN Issues Red Alert for TN

Chennai: Heavy rains lashed Chennai and surrounding areas in Tamil Nadu, causing severe waterlogging in the regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for the state, predicting "isolated extremely heavy rainfall" and "very heavy rainfall" for Thursday and Friday (October 17 and 18).

Schools, Colleges Shut

On Wednesday, the Tamil Nadu government announced a holiday for schools and colleges across four northern districts, including Tiruvallur, Chennai, Kancheepuram, and Chengelpet, PTI reported.

In Chennai, over 300 places across the region reported severe water logging prompting difficulty in transportation and other essential services.

Flights and Trains Cancelled

As many as four trains were cancelled due to waterlogging between the Basin Bridge and Vyasarpadi railway stations. Meanwhile, eight flights were cancelled after a sufficient number of passengers did not show up to avail of the services.

Tamil Nadu Govt Issues Advisory

Following this, the Tamil Nadu government issued an advisory asking private offices to facilitate 'work from home' for their employees until October 18.

Meanwhile, all government offices including the offices of Public Undertakings, Corporations, boards etc will remain closed on Tuesday in Chennai, Thiruvallur, Chengalpet and Kancheepuram.

However, essential services, such as Police, Fire Service, local bodies, milk supply, water supply, hospitals/medical shops, Banks, Financial Institutions, power supply, transport of vegetables, goods and other essential goods, Transport, MTC, MRTS, CMRL, Railways, Airport, Airlines Services, Port Services, Export and Import institutions, fuel outlets, hotels/ restaurants, etc., and other relief and rescue activities will remain functional as usual.

"All shops and other commercial establishments shall function as usual," the CMO office said.