Cyclone Michaung paralyses Tirupati: flights cancelled, city grapples with rains

Tirupati: The Tirupati airport in Renigunta remained closed on Monday, throwing travel plans into disarray as Cyclone Michaung made its presence felt across the region with strong winds and heavy rain.

A total of 16 flights from the airport were cancelled on Monday due to rain and gale, leaving passengers stranded, airport director Basavaraju stated. The airlines advised travelers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport.

The impact of Cyclone Michaung extended beyond the airport, wreaking havoc across Tirupati city and the district. Heavy rainfall battered the temple city, bringing life to a standstill. Transport in some areas ground to a halt. Devotees visiting Tirupati faced difficulties as their travel plans were disrupted by adverse weather conditions.

There was water-logging in low-lying areas along the banks of the Kapila Theertham and Malawadi streams. Several roads including those in Subbareddy Nagar, Korlagunta, Bhavani Nagar and the Tirumala by-pass, were submerged, disrupting normal life.

Power outages were widespread in Tirupati rural and neighboring mandals. Rail under-bridges near Tirupati railway station and West church were under water, leading to the suspension of traffic.

Deputy mayor Bhumana Abhinay Reddy and commissioner D Haritha visited affected areas, overseeing the evacuation of residents from vulnerable locations. To address the water-logging issues, the civic body has deployed earth movers and cranes to drain water from such areas.