Eight people have died in Chennai as the city grapples with a severe flood crisis caused by continuous rainfall from Cyclone Michaung. The deluge has transformed roads into rivers, sweeping away vehicles.
Cyclone Michaung, a cyclonic storm, is expected to approach the Andhra Pradesh coast, moving northwards and likely to make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam.
Educational institutions have been ordered closed, and private offices have instructed employees to work from home until conditions improve.
The combination of heavy rainfall and strong winds has led to the collapse of trees, walls, and electric poles.
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Rainwater enters houses and leaves streets inundated as incessant rainfall in Chennai, visuals from Maduravoyal area#CycloneMichuang pic.twitter.com/OUA8WBB6ke
— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2023
#WATCH | Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh: TTD Chairman, Tirupati MLA Bhumana Karunakara Reddy and City Commissioner Haritha take stock of Pulavani Gunta and Gollavani Gunta areas which are inundated following rainfall#CycloneMichuang pic.twitter.com/t9lF9LGzIC
— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2023
As Cyclone Michaung approaches the North Tamil Nadu coast, Chennai and surrounding regions have experienced heavy rainfall and severe waterlogging, inundating several areas.
The Chennai International Airport Authority has announced the airfield open for all arrival and departure operations on Tuesday following the Cyclone Michaung-induced rainfall.
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Flood-like situation persists in West Tambaram CTO colony and Sasivaradhan Nagar area of Chennai, people use boats pic.twitter.com/YWRdhXHfvE
— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2023
#UPDATE | Airfield now open for all arrival and departure operations. #ChennaiRains #ChennaiAirport @MoCA_GoI | @AAI_Official | @pibchennai
— Chennai (MAA) Airport (@aaichnairport) December 5, 2023
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Cyclone Michaung has significantly bolstered the northeast monsoon, resulting in a 29% increase in Chennai's seasonal rainfall this year.
According to the latest IMD data covering the October 1 to December 4 period, Chennai has received 89 cm of rain, surpassing the usual by at least 20 cm, indicating a 29% surplus in rainfall this season.
HOURLY UPDATE ON SEVERE CYCLONIC STORM “MICHAUNG” BULLETIN NO. 12 pic.twitter.com/Nyf4wKosNT
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) December 5, 2023
In the same timeframe, Nugambakkam recorded 58 cm of rain, exceeding the normal by 53 cm, while Meenambakkam received 50 cm, surpassing the usual by 45 cm.
Before the northwest monsoon, there was a reported 41% rainfall deficit in Tamil Nadu, with Chennai receiving only 49.4 mm compared to the usual 196 mm.
Severe Cyclonic Storm #Michaung effect and due to incessant rains for the past 2 days, the low-lying areas of the #Nellore city have been submerged and several trees uprooted.#Michaungcyclone #Cyclone #CycloneMichuang #CycloneMichaung #AndhraPradesh pic.twitter.com/YZXdaTCLDc
— Surya Reddy (@jsuryareddy) December 5, 2023
Over 9000 people residing in villages along the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh have been evacuated to safety, as per PTI.
Bapatla district superintendent of police Vakul Jindal mentioned evacuations from thatched houses and the setup of 21 cyclone shelters, amidst multiple issues like uprooted trees and overflowing bridges and culverts in the district