Rain-related deaths rise to eight in Chennai amid cyclone michaung impact

Cyclone Michaung’s heavy rains claimed the lives of at least eight individuals in Chennai and surrounding districts. Among the casualties was an older man, estimated to be around 70 years old, found lifeless near the Vaidyanathan flyover. His body was subsequently taken to Government Stanley Hospital for further procedures, as reported by the Chennai city police.

The Greater Chennai Police reported that the death toll from rain-related incidents in Chennai has risen to eight as of Tuesday, December 5. The recent fatalities include Bharath (53), who died due to a wall collapse in Nochikuppam; Selvam (50), a security worker found in a school’s rainwater drain; and Mirajul Islam (19), who passed away from epilepsy at a relief center.

Previously, Padmanaban (50) and Ganesan (70) succumbed to electrocution, while Murugan (35) was fatally injured by a falling tree. Two unidentified individuals were also found deceased.

The District Disaster Response Teams have conducted over 300 rescues and cleared fallen trees from 58 locations within the city limits.

Chennai experienced over 20 cm of rainfall on Monday, attributed to Cyclone Michaung. The cyclone is forecasted to intensify and move northward along the Andhra Pradesh coast, potentially making landfall near Bapatla.

Severe cyclonic storm

Cyclone Michaung has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, causing widespread flooding and power outages in Chennai since the morning of December 4. The deluge has transformed streets into waterways, with vehicles being swept away.

The rains have ceased, and the water levels at Chennai airport have subsided, leaving no standing water on the runways or taxiways. Cleanup efforts are underway to remove the accumulated slush and debris.

The airport’s current focus is on facilitating departures to alleviate the congestion of passengers who have been stranded. Presently, there are 21 aircraft on the ground and approximately 1,500 passengers in the terminal buildings. Officials have assured that there is a sufficient supply of food available at the airport’s retail outlets

Cyclone likely to cross south Andhra Pradesh

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has provided an update on the “Severe Cyclonic Storm MICHAUNG,” stating that as of 0530 hours IST on December 5, 2023, it was located over the Westcentral Bay of Bengal, near the south Andhra Pradesh coast.

The storm’s coordinates are approximately 14.9°N latitude and 80.2°E longitude, placing it 20 km east of Kavali, 50 km north-northeast of Nellore, 200 km north of Chennai, 110 km south-southwest of Bapatla, and 170 km south-southwest of Machilipatnam. It has been moving northward at a speed of 07 kmph over the past six hours.

IMD predicts that Cyclone ‘Michaung’ will make landfall in south Andhra Pradesh during the morning of December 5, with maximum wind speeds ranging from 90 to 100 Kmph.

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