The impact of Cyclone Michaung paralyzed life across multiple districts in Tamil Nadu as it made landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast near Bapatla, unleashing fierce winds reaching up to 100 kmph and heavy rains. This onslaught resulted in extensive devastation, bringing normal life to a halt in affected regions.
Chennai, along the Bay of Bengal coast, faced severe consequences from the incessant rains, leading to flooding that inundated the Tambaram Government Hospital.
In response to the calamity, the Tamil Nadu government took decisive steps, declaring the closure of schools and colleges in the Chennai district on December 8. This measure aimed to facilitate ongoing relief efforts in the areas severely impacted by the rainfall.
The state’s chief secretary, Shiv Das Meena, disclosed that 9,000 officials from various districts were mobilized for relief work. Addressing the situation, Meena emphasized the ongoing efforts to address water stagnation at 343 locations. Moreover, relief initiatives included the distribution of food packets in flood-affected zones. To aid in Chennai’s restoration, personnel such as medical staff, fire service personnel, and electrical network staff from other districts were summoned, augmenting the total deployment of 9,000 officials actively engaged in relief operations.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), forecasts indicate the likelihood of isolated heavy rainfall over Kerala and Tamil Nadu on both December 8th and 9th, with additional rainfall expected in Lakshadweep on the 8th. The IMD Chennai office predicted heavy rainfall in select areas within Nilgiris and the Ghat regions of Coimbatore districts. Additionally, thunderstorms and lightning were forecasted in specific locations across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal until December 9th.