All ports in India’s Chennai region have closed operations until further notice on Monday (4 December), as a precautionary measure to deal with the Cyclone ‘Michaung’ threat.
The cyclone is expected to make landfall in the Chennai coastline tomorrow (Tuesday), according to weather updates.
“The cyclone is likely to move north-northwestwards, intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm before Monday afternoon,” the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) warned this morning.
But heavy rains and flooding under the impact of the cyclonic storm classified as a severe storm have already caused havoc in the port city, throwing all transport links out of whack.
“Vessel berthing and cargo movements at Chennai, Kattupalli and Ennore have been suspended,” said a ship agent in Chennai. “Port gates will remain closed until further communication,” the agent noted.
“Due to heavy rain and cyclone warning at Chennai, all our employees have been asked to Work from Home according to the safety guidelines issues by the local authorities,” Maersk said in a customer advisory.
The Danish carrier also noted, “Considering the expected power cut challenges in Chennai, our South team is trying to support our customers as much as possible from home.”
Train and flight services in Chennai have also come to a halt, according to reports.
Container volumes in/out southern India ports stood at 385,281 TEUs in November, according to new data obtained.
Containerised trade out of Chennai has seen traction from growing intra-Asia imports in recent months, as carriers expanded networks.