Cyclone Michaung; Defence Minister to Assess Situation in Chennai

Several areas in Chennai are facing severe waterlogging conditions on Thursday, following heavy rainfall in the aftermath of Cyclone Michaung’s landfall two days ago. The situation has led to inundation in various parts of the city, including a petrol pump in the Pallikaranai area and the Jerusalem College of Engineering.

The impact of the cyclone is not limited to the capital city, as the waterfalls at the Kodaikanal Hills in Dindigul district are also swollen and overflowing due to relentless rainfall in the region.

Transportation services were brought to a halt in the southern state due to Cyclone Michaung. However, as weather conditions improved, the Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train service resumed its normal pattern, departing from Chennai Central (MMC) station for Tiruttani on Thursday morning.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to arrive in Tamil Nadu on Thursday to assess the prevailing flood situation caused by Cyclone Michaung. In a statement on [social media platform X], Singh mentioned, “Leaving New Delhi for Chennai to assess the flood situation caused due to ‘Michaung’ Cyclone in Tamil Nadu. Shall conduct an aerial survey of the affected areas and also review the situation with the State Government.”

During his visit, Singh will be accompanied by Thangam Thennarasu, the state Finance Minister, and the Chief Secretary. Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L Murugan, will also accompany the Defence Minister during the aerial survey. Following the survey, Singh is scheduled to hold a meeting with Chief Minister MK Stalin to review the relief work carried out by various agencies in the state.

In response to the critical situation, the Tamil Nadu government has announced a holiday for all schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu on Thursday. Additionally, schools and colleges in six taluks, namely Pallavaram, Tambaram, Vandalur, Thiruporur, Chengalpattu, and Thirukazhukundram, will remain closed.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been actively involved in relief efforts, dropping a total of 2,300 kg of relief material in the flood-affected areas in Chennai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences for those affected by Cyclone Michaung and assured that authorities are working tirelessly on the ground to assist those affected.

In a letter to Prime Minister Modi, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin sought an immediate interim relief fund of Rs 5,060 crores and requested the deployment of a central team to assess the damages caused by the cyclone in the state. The state continues to grapple with the aftermath of the cyclone, and relief efforts are underway to normalize the situation.