Latest Update
Dec 05, 2023, 11:15 AM
At least 5 dead a cyclone Michaung wreaks havoc in Chennai, landfall today
In a severe turn of events, Cyclone Michaung wreaks havoc in Chennai, subjecting the city to relentless rainfall that has claimed the lives of five individuals, marking the worst precipitation in 70-80 years. The aftermath prompts the closure of schools in Tamil Nadu until December 5. The cyclone’s relentless assault, registering 400 to 500mm of rain since Sunday morning, leads to widespread flooding, home destruction, and vehicular chaos, surpassing the notorious 2015 ‘Chennai deluge.’ Thoroughfares, notably Anna Salai, morph into waterways, and parked cars are seen drifting away in Pallikaranai. The non-stop downpour from 3 am to 6 pm submerges crucial areas, including roads, residential zones, railway stations, the airport, and bus terminuses. All 17 city subways succumb to flooding, causing extensive disruptions. Cyclone Michaung is predicted to make landfall on December 5 over the Andhra coast, impacting flight and train services, leading to at least 30 flight cancellations and over 100 train cancellations from Chennai Central and Egmore stations. The city experiences minimal traffic as rain intensifies, posing significant challenges for commuters. Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaches out to Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin to assess the dire situation.
In anticipation of the approaching cyclone ‘Michaung,’ the Tamil Nadu government has declared a public holiday on Monday for safety reasons. The cyclonic storm, currently situated over the Southwest Bay of Bengal, is expected to intensify further and make landfall in the Westcentral Bay of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts by Monday forenoon.
The affected regions, including parts of north coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Telangana, and Odisha, are likely to experience rainfall during the cyclone period, albeit with varying intensity. In light of the impending weather conditions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy to assess the state’s preparations.
As a precautionary measure, the Tamil Nadu government has mandated a public holiday, urging citizens to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during the cyclone period. However, essential services such as police, fire service, local bodies, medical facilities, power supply, transportation, and disaster response offices will continue to function as usual.
Prime Minister Modi has directed top officials to ensure that all possible assistance is extended to the affected states. The India Meteorological Department has issued advisories, cautioning fisherfolk against venturing into the sea during this period. Fishermen currently at sea have been advised to return to the coast by today to avoid potential dangers associated with the cyclonic storm.
The government’s proactive measures and the coordination of various agencies aim to minimize the impact of cyclone ‘Michaung’ on the East Coast states. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed about weather updates and adhere to safety guidelines issued by authorities to ensure their well-being during this challenging period.
