Cyclone ‘Michaung’ Makes Landfall: Tamil Nadu Grapples with Severe Impact

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Tuesday that the landfall process of Cyclone ‘Michaung’ is underway near the South Andhra Pradesh Coast and is expected to persist for the next three hours. The severe cyclonic storm is approaching with sustained wind speeds of 90-100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph.

The IMD reported, “The system is likely to move nearly northwards and cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast close to Bapatla during the next 2 hours as a severe Cyclonic Storm.”

Amid the cyclone’s destructive impact, at least eight people have lost their lives in Tamil Nadu. Multiple roads and subways are closed due to severe waterlogging. The cyclone is predicted to make landfall on the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh between Nellore and Machilipatnam.

Authorities have closed traffic on the Manjambakkam to Vadaperumbakkam Road due to water release from the Puzhal Lake. Police have conducted rescue operations, evacuating families, including pregnant women, children, and senior citizens, from affected areas.

Several subways, including the Ganesapuram Subway, Gengureddy Subway, Sembium (Perambur), Villivakkam, and Duraisamy Subway, are closed due to waterlogging, impacting daily life.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin addressed the media, stating that the rains received during Cyclone Michaung have surpassed the 2015 levels. Despite the historical rains, he emphasized that the damages are comparatively less due to proactive measures, including desilting works costing 4000 crores.

Stalin acknowledged Chennai’s resilience, attributing it to the city’s preparedness. In 2015, during artificial floods caused by water release from Sembarambakkam Lake, there were 199 reported deaths. This time, despite excessive rains, the death toll is reported to be eight.

The Chief Minister inspected cyclone-affected areas and rain relief camps, emphasizing the need for coordinated relief efforts. Relief centers, with operational kitchens, are accommodating Chennai residents affected by the cyclone.

“I have ordered all employees, high government officials, and elected representatives from outer districts to make immediate efforts. I am directly monitoring all these works. Let’s all work together during this difficult time and overcome this natural disaster,” stated CM Stalin.

The state government has mobilized 5000 workers from other districts to aid mitigation efforts. The Chief Secretary and top officials are overseeing operations at the Integrated Command & Control Center, with a focus on rescue operations, food distribution, and road clearance.

CM Stalin also called upon organizations involved in relief work to collaborate with the government to alleviate the suffering of affected communities. As the cyclone’s impact continues, Tamil Nadu remains vigilant, working collectively to overcome the challenges posed by Cyclone ‘Michaung.’