Chennai Braces for Heavy Rainfall and Imminent Thunderstorm with Landfall Expected Soon

Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are on high alert as Cyclone Michaung is expected to make landfall today. Both states have already experienced heavy rains and thunderstorms in the past 24 hours. Tragically, five people have died in rain-related incidents in Chennai. Two individuals were electrocuted, while another was killed by a falling tree in the Besant Nagar area of the city.

In Chennai, floodwater has caused cars to be swept away, leading to the closure of the city’s airport until Tuesday morning. The potential damage caused by the severe cyclonic storm includes uprooting of trees, destruction of hutments and mud houses, and partial damage to telephone and electric poles.

The Indian Railways has taken measures to ensure safe railway operations in areas likely to be affected by the cyclone. An emergency control cell has been set up at the divisional/HQ level with officers from various departments to monitor train operations and take necessary actions.

Several areas in Chennai have been submerged in knee-deep water, leading to power outages. This situation brings back memories of the catastrophic floods in December 2015, which resulted in the deaths of around 290 people.

As Cyclone Michaung approaches, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has instructed officials to be on high alert and prepared for relief measures.

Stay tuned for more updates on Cyclone Michaung and the situation in Chennai.