8 Killed in Heavy Rains Caused by Cyclone Michaung in Chennai

Cyclone Michaung (pronounced migjaum) is likely to make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam, close to Bapatla, in Andhra Pradesh, on Tuesday at 11 am. This severe cyclonic storm caused heavy rains in several places across Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu in the past couple of hours.

In Chennai, the rains accompanied by strong winds, brought down trees, walls and electric poles. Eight people were killed in Channai in rain-related accidents. Heavy rainfall caused water logging and vehicles were swept away on Monday by the heavy current of flowing rainwater. Due to the rains educational institutions were shut down and private companies directed their employees to work from home till the situation improved.

Floodwaters entered government hospitals, metro stations and airport. Videos of a mugger crocodile crossing a submerged road also went viral on social media.

Water logging and rains led to power cuts and internet disruptions.

Because of the cyclone, several trains and flights were cancelled. The Chennai airport runway was flooded and no flights were available till 9 am on Tuesday.

The Tamil Nadu government declared a public holiday on Monday and Tuesday in Chennai, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu districts. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said on Monday that his government was taking all necessary measures on a war-footing to provide relief in the wake of Cyclone Michaung disrupting normal life.

The Tamil Nadu government has set up a total of 236 relief camps across eight locations in the state.