Cyclone Michaung: Tamil Nadu Faces Imminent Threat with Heavy Rainfall and Thunderstorms
As Cyclone Michaung approaches Tamil Nadu, the Chennai Meteorological Centre issues a forecast predicting moderate rainfall, light thunderstorms, and lightning in ten districts of the state. The affected areas include Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Vellore, Tirupattur, Thiruvannamalai, Villupuram, and Kanyakumari. The cyclone, currently centered over the west coast of the Bay of Bengal, is expected to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam as a severe cyclonic storm on Tuesday morning. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin is actively monitoring the situation, inquiring about the damage caused by heavy rainfall, overseeing relief operations, and ensuring the state’s preparedness for the impending storm. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the region, urging residents to take precautionary measures.
The approaching cyclone has already claimed five lives and injured one person in separate incidents across Chennai. Strong winds have uprooted several trees, causing extensive waterlogging and disruptions to daily life in the affected areas. Chennai’s Marina Beach is flooded, and roads connecting Mount Road to Marina Beach are blocked due to severe waterlogging. The state government has declared a public holiday in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur districts on Tuesday. Authorities have canceled or diverted numerous flights and trains, and residents are advised to stay vigilant and follow safety guidelines.
