Cyclone Michaung: Massive waterlogging in Chennai, Koovam River rages
As Cyclone Michaung wreaks havoc in Tamil Nadu, the city of Chennai is facing massive waterlogging due to heavy rains in the state, while the Koovam River is raging as water from nearby lakes is released into it.
The bridge in the Nerkundram area is surrounded by water flowing from the Koovam River.
Cyclone Michaung is likely to make landfall today on the south coast of Andhra Pradesh, between Nellore and Machilipatnam.
As the cyclone moves away from Tamil Nadu, we see people walking on the water-covered roads to buy essentials.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said that the “severe cyclonic storm “MICHAUNG” over the Westcentral Bay of Bengal off the coast of South Andhra Pradesh and the adjoining coasts of North Tamil Nadu has been developing at a speed of was moving 07 km/h towards the north and was centered at 05:30 IST today, December 5, 2023, over the Westcentral Bay of Bengal off the south coast of Andhra Pradesh, near 14.9°N latitude and 80.2°E longitude, approximately 20 km east of Kavali, 50 km north-east of Nellore, 200 km north of Chennai, 110 km south-west of Bapatla and 170 km south-west of Machilipatnam.”
It was further said that Cyclone 'Michaung' is likely to pass through southern Andhra Pradesh on the morning of December 5 with a maximum wind speed of 90-100 kmph.
“As the system is moving almost northwards, close to the coast, some parts of the wall cloud area are over land. The system is likely to move almost northwards parallel and close to the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh and the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh crossing between Nellore and Machilipatnam, close to Bapatla, during the morning of December 5 as a severe cyclonic storm with maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 kmph with gusts up to 110 kmph,” the IMD said.
The IMD said that as the system is moving almost northward, close to the coast, some parts of the wall cloud area are over land.
Fields in several parts of Machilipatnam in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh were inundated due to rainfall and waterlogging due to severe cyclone Michaung.
Cyclonic storm Michaung is likely to make landfall on the state's southern coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam, near Bapatla, today. Bapatla will experience moderate rainfall with gusty winds.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin on Monday inquired about the damage caused by the heavy rains during the approaching cyclone while also taking stock of the ongoing relief and rescue operations and the state's preparedness to face the immediate aftermath of the storm. .
The CM also inquired about the food and other facilities provided to citizens taking shelter in relief camps during a telephone conversation with state ministers Sekar Babu, KN Nehru and EV Velu and DMK MLAs Dr. Ezhilan, Karunanidhi, E Parandaman and S Arvind Ramesh.
The progress of the cyclone is being closely monitored and its potential impact is being assessed, police said on Monday, adding that the approaching storm has already claimed five lives and injured one in separate incidents in Chennai.
Chennai Airfield will remain closed for arrival and departure operations until 9 AM IST tomorrow due to adverse weather conditions.
Public life in Chennai was badly hit as heavy rains lashed several parts of the city. Several areas including Wallajah Road, Mount Road, Anna Salai, Chepauk, outside Omandurar Government Multi-Specialty Hospital and other low-lying areas were flooded due to continuous heavy rainfall.