Electocution and drowining are the main causes
At least five people were killed on December 4 due to the relentless downpour in Chennai and its adjoining districts spurred by Cyclone Michaung, according to Chennai police.
The lifeless body of an unidentified man, approximately 70 years old, was discovered on a platform near the Vaidyanathan flyover, according to the Chennai city police commissionerate communique. His remains were deposited in Government Stanley Hospital.
The body of another unidentified woman, aged around 60, was found at the Foreshore Estate bus depot. Padmanaban (50) met a tragic end in Dindigul district after suffering electrocution due to a pole dismantled by the rains. His body is lodged in a morgue at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai.
Ganesan (70) faced a similar fate, electrocuted near his residence in Pandiyan Nagar. Murugan (35) died after a tree fell on him in Besant Nagar.
As Cyclone Michaung looms ominously over west-central and coastal south Andhra Pradesh, its transformation into a severe cyclonic storm has submerged several areas in Chennai in knee-deep water and triggered power outages since December 4 morning. Streets turned into rivers, sweeping away cars.
The impact of the cyclone led to the diversion of 33 flights to Bengaluru and numerous cancellations in the Vijayawada and Rajahmundry sector. Two flights to Delhi have been cancelled. The city airport will remain closed till December 5.
The East Coast Railway cancelled 60 trains.
Heavy rainfall battered north coastal Tamil Nadu, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore and Thiruvallur districts. The Tamil Nadu government responded by declaring a public holiday in four districts, including Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram for December 4 and 5. If things do not improve, it could be extended to December 6 as well.
The relentless rainfall resulted in internet disruptions and power outages, prompting the Tamil Nadu government to announce the closure of educational institutions in Chennai on December 4.
Chief Minister MK Stalin urged residents to stay indoors and the 12 Madras Unit of the Indian Army conducted rescue operations. Private companies in specified districts were advised to implement work-from-home arrangements due to the anticipated heavy rains.
The cyclone is expected to shift towards Andhra Pradesh on December 5, after lingering near Chennai and Puducherry on December 4. It is anticipated to make a landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam on December 5 noon.
A red alert has been sounded for north coastal Tamil Nadu, south coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam.
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