Cyclone Michaung to make landfall in south Andhra coast

Chennai: Massive rains lash several parts of Chennai and Northern Tamil Nadu due the cyclone that likely to make a landfall today. 

Several areas and key roads face severe waterlogging, including Perambur, Pulianthope, GST Road, Airport road, Nungambakkam, Saligramam, etc. 

Government hospitals in Tambaram and Chrompet are also submerged.

India Meteorological Department on Monday, December 4, posted on X, “CS MICHAUNG lay centered over Westcentral & adjoining Southwest Bay of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamilnadu coasts about 110 km east-northeast of Chennai, 190 km southeast of Nellore, 210 km northeast of Puducherry, 310 km south-southeast of Bapatla and 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.”

Schools, colleges shut 

Schools and colleges are shut in Chennai, Thiruvalluvar, Chengalpet and Kancheepuram districts. 

State government has advised people to not step out of their houses unless there’s an emergency.

Nine subways in Chennai city have been closed for commuting. Some 11 express trains have been cancelled. Suburban trains have also been cancelled.

War rooms have been set up by the Revenue and Disaster Management department and helpline numbers issued for the public.

Chennai airport shuts down

As per the latest update, Chennai Airport has been shut down due to heavy rains and waterlogging on the runway. The shutdown is announced for 2 hours and might extend based on the weather. As a result, the flights were redirected to Bengaluru and other nearby cities.

"The Michaung Cyclone now lies about 110 km east-northeast of Chennai. It is expected to cross between Nellore and Machilipatnam by Tuesday forenoon. Due to this cyclone, many places recorded heavy to very heavy rainfall. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are likely to continue in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu till tonight," says S Balachandran, Director, the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Chennai.

-With inputs from Varshini Ramu