Live Updates on Cyclone Michaung: The intense cyclonic storm has the capacity to uproot trees and cause extensive damage to huts and mud houses.
Live Updates on Cyclone Michaung in Chennai: Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are on high alert as the severe storm, Cyclone Michaung, is anticipated to make landfall today. Heavy rains and thunderstorms have lashed both states over the past 24 hours, resulting in five casualties in Chennai. The unfortunate incidents include two deaths from electrocution and one caused by a falling tree in the Besant Nagar area.
Chennai has witnessed cars being swept away in flooded streets, leading to the closure of its airport—one of the busiest in India—until Tuesday morning. The severe cyclonic storm poses the risk of uprooting small and medium trees, causing extensive damage to hutments and mud houses, and partial damage to telephone and electric poles.
As Cyclone Michaung continues its destructive path, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has expressed concern and called on Congress leaders and workers to aid in relief efforts. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin acknowledged the historical rainfall received during the cyclone period, surpassing the levels experienced in 2015. However, he noted that the damages this time were comparatively less.
The impact of Cyclone Michaung has affected air travel, with over 1,000 flights disrupted due to the closure of Chennai Airport. The cyclone is expected to make landfall near Bapatla on the Andhra Pradesh coast, prompting the evacuation of nearly 900 residents from coastal areas.
In addition to the human impact, the cyclone has forced a halt in iPhone production by Foxconn and Pegatron near Chennai, while the Indian Railways has mobilized its resources to ensure smooth operations and safety in the affected areas.
Respite from heavy rain is expected in Chennai, and the city’s airport has resumed operations after being shut down due to severe waterlogging. Cyclone Michaung is projected to make landfall at 11 am today and remain severe until December 6, as warned by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
Tragically, eight people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents in Chennai since Monday morning. The IMD Chief emphasized the severity of Cyclone Michaung, and the entire railway system is on high alert to manage potential disruptions.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has directed officials to be vigilant and prepared for relief measures as the cyclone approaches landfall.