The threat of Cyclone Michong is looming over Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and many other states of South India. There are dark clouds in the sky and life is becoming miserable due to heavy rain. The roads are full, and rain water is entering the houses. Due to the impact of cyclonic storm Michong, there was heavy rain in some parts of Andhra Pradesh. Before the cyclone hits the south coastal region, the state government has issued an alert in eight districts.
Cyclone Michong has reached near the northern Tamil Nadu coast. It is raining heavily in the state. Strong winds are blowing in Chengalpattu city. High waves are rising in the sea. In view of the high tide situation, the administration has appealed to the people not to go near the sea. The administration has appealed to the people to stay in their homes.
The India Meteorological Department has said that Cyclonic Storm Michong will cross the South Andhra Pradesh coast near Bapatla between Nellore and Machilipatnam on the morning of December 5, turning into a severe cyclonic storm. Its maximum impact will be visible in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, apart from this it will also be visible in Odisha and Puducherry.
The districts where alert has been issued include Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatala, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema and Kakinada. According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, the severe cyclonic storm is likely to hit near Bapatla around noon on Tuesday, with wind speed of 100 kilometers per hour.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday said that his government is taking all necessary steps on war footing to provide assistance in view of Cyclone Michong. Normal life in the state has been disrupted due to cyclonic storm Michong. He said relief operations have been immediately started in the rain-affected areas and a large number of personnel from various departments, including police, fire and rescue, have been deployed as a precautionary measure.
Due to continuous rains in Chennai and surrounding districts today i.e. on Monday, many parts have been submerged, due to which life at these places has become disrupted. Due to continuous rains, there is a possibility of a repeat of the 2015 flood here. People were seen rushing to purchase essential commodities, especially drinking water. There has been no respite from the incessant rains, resulting in power outages and internet disruptions.
Due to Cyclonic Storm Michong, there is heavy rain in Tamil Nadu. Due to the rain, transport services have been severely disrupted and many trains and flights have been cancelled. Due to the roads being submerged, the commuters are facing a lot of difficulties. Several parts of the state capital and adjoining Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur districts have been submerged, while government machinery has been deployed to remove the standing water.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday spoke to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin over phone to inquire about the current situation and assured him of all possible help from the Centre. At the same time, in view of the cyclone, the Tamil Nadu government has declared a public holiday on Tuesday for all educational institutions, government and private offices, financial institutions and banks in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu districts.
Cabinet ministers Udhayanidhi Stalin and Ma Subramaniam visited the affected areas in Chennai and inspected the relief activities. A government release said ten teams comprising 250 NDRF personnel have been deployed for rescue efforts in the affected districts.
Chennai airport operations have been suspended from 9.40 am to 11 pm. Due to continuous rain, around 70 flights to and from the airport were cancelled. The Airport Authority of India said that the runway and tarmac were also closed due to waterlogging. Meanwhile, rail and air services were either canceled or delayed due to rain.