Cyclone Michaung: Heavy Rain Lashes Chennai (Image: X @chennaicorp)
Chennai is currently witnessing heavy rainfall coupled with gusty winds blowing across the city due to Cyclone Michaung, which is currently swirling over the Bay of Bengal and heading towards the Andhra coast. The Tamil Nadu government has declared a public holiday today, December 4. The government also asked private companies to instruct their employees to work from home or operate only with essential staff. Notably, essential services will function as usual.
Dear #Chennaiites
Next bands are moving into the city, sustained winds at a speed of 35 to 80km/hr. #GCC requests you to stay indoors.
Please do not go out unless very essential. Many roads are inundated. Stay home and stay safe.Please reach us at 1913 for emergencies and rescue. pic.twitter.com/U5nlVTwEP0— Greater Chennai Corporation (@chennaicorp) December 4, 2023
Due to heavy rainfall, waterlogging was reported near several metro stations across Chennai. However, metro services are functioning properly. “Please do not go out unless very essential. Many roads are inundated. Stay home and stay safe,” wrote the Greater Chennai Corporation on its X handle on December 4.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its bulletin that the cyclone is likely to move north-northwestward and will intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm by December 4. IMD also predicted that Cyclone Michaung would move nearly close to the south Andhra Pradesh coast and would cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam on December 5 as a severe cyclonic storm. IMD has issued a heavy to very heavy rain warning for certain locations in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts until this evening.
330 km southeast of Machilipatnam at 0530 hrs 4 Dec. Likely to move north-northwestwards, intensify & cross betwn Nellore and Machilipatnam close to Bapatla during forenoon of 5 Dec as SCS. pic.twitter.com/KLNRXtt2zi
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) December 4, 2023
During the cyclone period, parts of north-coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha are expected to witness rainfall. Earlier on Sunday, December 3, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and took stock of the preparations to handle Cyclone Michaung. The Prime Minister has also directed top officials to ensure that all possible help is extended to the state as Cyclone Michaung is set to make landfall.
