On Monday, Chennai experienced heavy rains due to Cyclone Michaung, leading to eight reported deaths, closure of schools and offices, and the flooding of the runway at a major airport. The Cyclone is anticipated to hit near Bapatla on the Andhra Pradesh coast on Tuesday noon. This situation brings back memories of December 2015, when devastating floods claimed the lives of at least 290 people in the region.
8 deaths have been confirmed due to rain related accidents that include collapse of a wall, falling off trees and electrocution.
In a posh neighborhood of Chennai, a road suddenly collapsed, creating a massive sinkhole. A transformer and a small temple located nearby were engulfed by the sinkhole, and alarming videos captured the incident in the city’s Poes Garden area. Another sinkhole was recorded in Velachery area as well.
Several roads have been inundated and a video on X even shows a crocodile on these flooded streets. There have been other videos of cars being washed away by inundating waters.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the cyclonic winds may have had a speed of 90-100 kmph and even rising up to 110 kmph. Flights had been suspended until Tuesday morning and 80 train services including Vande bharat and Shatabdi were put off.
Cyclone relief and trajectory
The CM mentioned that an IAS officer had been appointed to oversee relief and rehabilitation efforts in the Greater Chennai Corporation, Tambaram, and Avadi corporations. He also highlighted the engagement of 8,592 EB personnel, led by the electricity minister Thangam Thennarasu, in the restoration work. To aid residents in low-lying areas, 350 boats were prepared, and 4,320 doctors were deployed to provide medical assistance and prevent the spread of rain-related diseases.
Additionally, 1,000 sanitary workers from other districts were instructed to join relief operations in Chennai, Tambaram, and Avadi corporations. The Chief Minister pointed out the use of 1,238 machines to remove uprooted trees in rain-affected areas, with 337 machines specifically dedicated to clearing fallen trees in Chennai.
Foxconn and Pegatron, which are key manufacturers for Apple iPhones in Taiwan, have temporarily stopped production at their facilities near Chennai due to heavy rains. The industries department has restricted operations to “essential supply companies” in light of the severe weather conditions.
Coastal Andhra Pradesh is under high alert as Cyclone Michaung is expected to make landfall near the Bapatla coast today. In response to this, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has activated emergency response measures. Many areas, including Nellore, Prakasam, and Bapatla districts, are experiencing heavy to very heavy rains along with strong winds. The authorities are taking precautions to ensure the safety of residents and to address the potential impact of the cyclone.
