In the aftermath of Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Michaung,’ Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin held a press conference on Tuesday, highlighting the unprecedented rainfall that surpassed the levels seen in 2015. Despite the historical rains, Stalin emphasized that the damages were comparatively less, attributing the mitigation to extensive desilting efforts costing 4000 crores.
Stalin recalled the floods in 2015, characterized as artificial due to the release of water from Sembarambakkam Lake, contrasting it with the current situation, which he described as a natural flood. Acknowledging the efforts that spared Chennai, he pointed out that the death toll, even with excessive rains, stood at 8 compared to 199 reported deaths in 2015.
The Chief Minister urged organizations involved in relief work to collaborate with the government in alleviating the suffering of affected residents. He announced a request for relief assistance of Rs 5,000 crore from the central government to address storm and rain damage, emphasizing the need to aid those who have suffered.
Meanwhile, the impact of Cyclone Michaung has resulted in eight reported deaths, with multiple roads and subways closed due to waterlogging. Traffic disruptions have been noted on Manjambakkam to Vadaperumbakkam Road due to water release from the Puzhal Lake. Authorities have conducted rescues of families, including pregnant women, children, and senior citizens, from various affected areas.
Chennai Airport, briefly shut down due to heavy rains causing flooding and waterlogging, has resumed operations. Air Traffic Management (ATM) is prioritizing departures to manage the backlog of stranded passengers. Relief efforts include 162 operational relief centers accommodating 2477 Chennai residents, with 20 kitchens providing food.
As part of the mitigation strategy, 5000 workers from other districts have been mobilized to assist in Chennai. Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and other top officials are actively monitoring operations at the Integrated Command & Control Center. The state government is focusing on prioritizing rescue operations, providing food, and clearing roads.
Water overflowing from the Koovam River has surrounded the bridge in the Nerkundram area, while the release of water from the Chembarambakkam Lake has partially submerged Madha engineering college near Chembarambakkam.
The Indian Meteorological Department’s update at 11:15 am reported the movement of Severe Cyclonic Storm “MICHAUNG” over the Westcentral Bay of Bengal, off south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu. The storm is moving northwards, with the center located about 25 km East South East of Ongole and 100 km North-North East of Nellore, and 130 km Southwest of Machilipatnam.
