Cyclone Michaung: Heavy Rain Claims 5 Lives In Chennai, Flight Operations Halted | Top Developments

During the heavy rainfall caused by Cyclone Michaung in Chennai, five people have lost their lives in separate incidents, according to reports from news agency ANI, citing an official statement by Chennai police.

The cyclonic storm Michaung, predicted to make landfall on the southern Andhra Pradesh coast on Tuesday, severely affected flight operations at Chennai airport. Flooding on the runway resulted in flight cancellations and diversions, leading to the suspension of operations until 9 am on Tuesday due to intensified rainfall and severe weather conditions.

Here are the Top developments of the day

• As the cyclone approached the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, Chennai experienced relentless rainfall throughout Monday night, causing severe waterlogging in various areas. Notably, a mugger crocodile was sighted on a road due to the rising water levels in low-lying areas.
• Metro stations across Chennai were also affected by heavy rain, particularly St. Thomas station, where access was restricted due to 4-feet-high water accumulation. Passengers were advised to board trains at Alandur station.
• Chennai police confirmed five deaths in the city due to heavy downpours. Among the deceased were an unidentified man found near the Vaidyanathan flyover and an unidentified woman at the Foreshore Estate bus depot. Tragic incidents of electrocution claimed the lives of Padmanaban (50) in Dindigul district and Ganesan (70) in Pandiyan Nagar. Besant Nagar witnessed the unfortunate death of Murugan (35) due to a fallen tree. Further casualties occurred as a newly constructed wall collapsed in Kanathur, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuring another. These victims were residents of Jharkhand.
• As the cyclonic storm Michaung intensified over the Bay of Bengal, the IMD reported its position and predicted path, indicating its gradual intensification into a severe cyclonic storm.
• In response to the impending crisis, the Tamil Nadu government declared public holidays in Chennai, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu districts for Monday and Tuesday, urging private companies to enable 'work from home' options. Essential services like healthcare and milk supply remained operational.
• Flight disruptions prompted Akasa Air to offer rebooking options for passengers affected between December 4 and December 10, allowing rescheduling until December 17 without additional charges.
• The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed 21 teams in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry, with eight additional teams on standby.
• The IMD issued warnings for heavy rainfall and advised precautionary measures in various regions, indicating the likelihood of rainfall and potential impacts in Odisha and West Bengal during specific periods. Authorities in Odisha canceled leaves for field workers and put districts on alert, while the East Coast Railway (ECoR) canceled several trains and set up a 24/7 helpline for passenger assistance.
• The cyclone effects may also extend to southern districts of West Bengal, including Kolkata, with predictions of rainfall between December 6 and 7 in specific areas.