Cyclone Michaung tracker December 4 updates | Two killed, two others feared dead in cyclone related incident

Pounded by relentless rain under the impact of Cyclone Michaung, Chennai and its neighbouring districts were marooned on December 4, reviving haunting memories of the December 2015 floods. Two persons were killed and two more were feared dead in cyclone-related incidents in the city, as per preliminary reports.

Waterbodies were brimming and the release of surplus water from the reservoirs challenged the city’s infrastructure. Normal life came to a standstill as power supply was suspended as precautionary measure since late on Sunday night. Over 9,600 people from northern coastal districts were moved to 236 relief camps in eight places. The Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) aided State agencies, including the Fire and Rescue Services and police personnel, in the relief and rescue operations.

Under the influence of Cyclone ‘Michaung’, parts of Jharkhand are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall till December 7, a weather official said on Monday.

Ranchi Meteorological Centre has predicted light rain in a few pockets on Tuesday and light to moderate showers on December 6 and 7.

Abhishek Anand, in-charge of Ranchi Meteorological Centre said the state’s minimum temperature would rise by two to three degrees Celsius in the next 24 hours due to the cloudy weather conditions and it would continue till December 8. The minimum temperatures will start declining from December 9.

PTI

As of 5 p.m. 254 trees fell writhin the Greater Chennai Corporation limits of such 227 were cleared, as per official data. Maximum was noted in Zone 8 (Anna Nagar) - 67.

With severe cyclonic storm ‘Michaung’ set to make landfall on Tuesday, the Odisha government has deployed rescue teams in the southern districts of the state as a precautionary measure.

Though there will be no major impact on Odisha, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the eastern state will receive light to moderate rainfall on Monday night and the intensity will further increase and heavy rain is expected on Tuesday.

Keeping in view of the prediction of heavy rainfall in the five southern districts of Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, and Ganjam, the state government has deployed five teams of ODRAF (Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force) and eight teams of fire service for immediate rescue operations, Odisha’s Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Satyabrata Sahu said.

PTI

The Railway Ministry has set up an emergency control cell in Chennai and a war room at the Rail Bhawan in New Delhi among various other measures to meet the challenges posed by the cyclonic storm ‘Michaung’.

“The Indian Railways has geared up its entire machinery in a big way to ensure and manage smooth and safe railway operations in the areas likely to be affected by the cyclonic storm ‘Michaung’,” a statement issued by the Railway Ministry said on Monday.

The ministry has also activated a war room at board level to monitor all locations round the clock and nominated safety counsellors in each shift to assist with the emergency control.

At least two persons died and two others were feared dead in cyclone related incidents in Chennai on Monday.

In an early morning incident a sudden cave-in at a building site resulted in two persons getting buried under the debris.

The Fire and Rescue Services personnel along with the City police, however, managed to rescue two other persons from the construction site at Five Furlong Road of Alandur.

A senior officer of the City police said a sudden cave-in happened at the building site in which the security room of the fuel station also collapsed. In the accident S. Naresh working for the fuel station and R. Jeyaseelan working in the construction site were feared dead. The police rescued two others G. Navin and Seetharaman from the collapsed site.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said on Monday that his government was taking all necessary measures on a war-footing to provide relief in the wake of Cyclone Michaung disrupting normal life.

Relief measures in rain-affected regions are being implemented immediately, with various department personnel, including police, fire, and rescue, being deployed in large numbers as a preventive mechanism, he stated.

“The government is taking all precautionary measures on a war-footing in response to heavy rainfall over the last two days due to Cyclone Michaung causing devastation in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu districts,” Stalin mentioned in an official release.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has instructed the State government machinery to ensure that there is no loss of life due to the incidents related to inclement weather conditions caused by Cyclone Michaung which is likely to make a landfall near the Bapatla coast on December 5 (Tuesday) afternoon. 

“The officials must bear it in mind that farmers do not incur losses due to the cyclone,” said Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy during a review meeting held in virtual mode at his Camp Office at Tadepalli, near here, on December 4 (Monday).

Several flights operating from Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Tirupati to various destinations were cancelled on December 4 (Monday) in view of Cyclone Michaung which is expected to make a landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam, close to Bapatla, during the forenoon of December 5.

The railways have also cancelled several long-distance trains as a precautionary measure.

Heavy to very heavy rain is very likely over isolated places in Mulugu, Bhadradri-Kothagudem, Khammam, Suryapet, Mahabubabad, Warangal, Hanmakonda, Karimnagar, Peddapalli Nalgonda, Jangaon, Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Siddipet and Nagarkurnool districts of Telangana over the next couple of days.

The weather alert came from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) because of the cyclonic storm ‘Michaung’ off the Bay of Bengal, which has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm.

Over 9,600 people from Cyclone Michaung affected parts of Tamil Nadu on Monday have been moved to 236 relief camps in eight locations as part of precautionary measures.

Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, who is monitoring the situation, deputed as many as 13 ministers to coordinate the rescue and relief operations. About 350 boats have been mobilised to evacuate people from inundated areas.

Over 700 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, police and fire and rescue departments have been involved in rescuing people in inundated areas, the CM said in a statement. About 250 of them were involved in rescue operations in Chennai. Depending on the need, Coast Guard personnel are also being involved.

Canals begin to receive water slowly, said Additional Chief Secretary and Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner J. Radhakrishnan.

“The condition of water non-acceptance in canals has sequentially altered, resulting in the initiation of water flow, including Buckingham Canal, albeit not achieving the intended velocity,” he said.

At the same time, the challenges faced due to rainfall that was recorded heavier than forecast is expected to reduce by 12 a.m., he stated. 

Cyclone Michaung intensified into a severe cyclonic storm on Monday and now lies centered over west-central and southwest Bay of Bengal, and about 90 km east-northeast of Chennai. 

The deep depression over the South Bay of Bengal, which has intensified into a cyclonic storm ‘Michaung’, is likely to intensify further and make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh by tomorrow morning, according to the Indian Meteorological Department.

“SCS MICHAUNG over WC & adj SW BoB lay centered about 100km NE of Chennai and 120km SE of Nellore at 1430IST of today. To intensify gradually and move nearly northwards and cross south AP coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam close to Bapatla during forenoon of 5 Dec as SCS”, said the weather department in a post on ‘X’.

Meanwhile, cyclonic storm ‘Michaung’ intensified to a severe cyclonic storm at 8:30 a.m. today, about 90 km east-northeast of Chennai.

ANI

Chennai airport’s flight operations will continue to remain suspended till 9 a.m. on December 5 due to adverse weather conditions.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to Tamil Nadu CM M. K. Stalin and Puducherry CM N. Rangasamy in the wake of Cyclone Michaung. 

Mr. Shah assured them of all “necessary assistance” from the Centre.

Mr. Stalin sought additional personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to the State for relief operations.

The CM also apprised the Home Minister over the extent of damage reported in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts and the relief measures being undertaken in them, an official release stated.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy to take stock of the preparations concerning the potential landfall of Cyclone Michaung.

The officials have intensified the efforts to transport the harvested paddy to the nearby rice mills across the Godavari region to save the paddy yield from the incessant rains due to cyclone Michaung.

The paddy harvesting has come to a standstill in the entire Godavari region based on the weather advisory by the government. The Godavari region, which is dubbed as ‘Rice Bowl of Andhra Pradesh’, is the prime paddy producer compared to any region in the State.

Chennai Metro trains are available from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Dec 5. There will be a train every 10 minutes from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

From 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., trains will operate every 7 minutes. Between 10 p.m. to 11 p.m., there will be a train every 15 minutes.

Heavy rains lashed parts of Andhra Pradesh on Monday under the influence of cyclonic storm ‘Michaung’ as the state government issued an alert to the eight districts as it nears the southern coastal region before landfall.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy held a review meeting on the cyclone with senior officials on Monday and set several relief efforts in motion.

Also, an alert was issued to the districts of Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema, and Kakinada.

PTI

The University of Madras has rescheduled November 2023 semester theory examinations for UG/PG/Professional Degrees, which were due to be held from Dec 5 to 8 in view of Michaung cyclone.

The revised dates will be intimated later, according to the Controller of Examinations.

Cyclone Michaung looming over west-central and coastal south Andhra Pradesh has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, leading to heavy rainfall in several parts of the state, said an official on Monday.

The severe cyclonic storm is likely to intensify gradually and move northwards almost parallel and close to south Andhra Pradesh coast and cross between Nellore and Machilipatnam, close to Bapatla during forenoon of December 5, said an Amaravati Meteorological Centre official in a press release.

The Meteorological Department reiterated its forecast of heavy rainfall, accompanied by gales in parts of Andhra Pradesh over the next three days from Monday to Wednesday. 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday also spoke to Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy to take stock of the preparations to handle cyclonic storm.

The Home Minister enquired about the present situation and assured all assistance.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to enquire about the situation owing to cyclone Michaung. Mr. Stalin sought additional personnel of the National Disaster Response Force.

Tamil Nadu Minister for Higher Education K. Ponmudy and Minister for Minorities Affairs and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare Gingee K.S. Masthan on Monday undertook an inspection of coastal hamlets in Villupuram district to review the preparedness in view of Cyclone Michaung, which is likely to move parallel along the north Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh coasts and make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam on December 5. 

At Hanumanthai near Marakkanam, the Ministers, who enquired with officials on the measures taken, said 12 multi-purpose cyclone shelters equipped with basic amenities had been readied in Marakkanam and Vanur blocks to accommodate families shifted from flood-prone and vulnerable areas. 

Greater Chennai Corporation cleared 88 of the 99 trees the fell due to the impact of seeing winds caused by Cyclone Michaung on Monday as of 4.30 p.m.

A red-colour coded warning has been issued for Tiruvallur district as extremely heavy rain may occur over one or two places till 8.30 a.m. on Tuesday.

Heavy to very heavy rains would lash one or two places in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu and Ranipet too, till 8.30 a.m. on Tuesday.

The Kurukkuthurai Murugan temple is submerged in Thamirabarani River in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu following the heavy rains that lashed the Western Ghats, as an effect of Cyclone Michaung, on Monday.

The Royapettah hospital is marooned and many medical departments on the ground floor has storm water entered. Many patients were shifted to higher floors. The water is being pumped out by the corporation officials.

Image credit: S. R. Raghunathan

Meanwhile, in southern Tamil Nadu, unrelated to cyclone Michaung, the inundation of Kurukkuthurai murugan temple is due to Thamirabharani river following rains on the other side, Western ghats, on December 4.

Image credit: A. Shaikmohideen

The 108 ambulance network has reached out to 150 calls for help so far in the Chennai city limits on Monday, December 4, 2023. The ambulance network moved persons, including pregnant women, elderly citizens and patients undergoing dialysis and those who needed medical help, to hospitals.

It is likely to move northwards almost parallel and close to the south Andhra Pradesh coast and cross South AP coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam, close to Bapatla during December 5 forenoon as a severe cyclonic storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph.

The inundated Radhakrishnan salai and Royapettah high road has many cars stranded in the storm waters. The water inundation is caused by the cyclonic storm Michaung on Monday.

Image credit: S. R. Raghunathan

Several MTC buses are parked and not operating service at Vadapalani Bus Terminus in the wake of Cyclone Michang on Monday.

Photo: B. V. Raj

In view of the cyclonic storm Michaung, the Tamil Nadu government has declared a public holiday in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts on Tuesday. The public holiday has been declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.

“All schools, colleges, educational institutions, government offices including the offices of Public Undertakings / Corporations, Boards, Banks, Financial Institutions etc., in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu districts will be closed on December 5, Tuesday,” a G.O. issued by Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena said.

Cyclone Michaung has moved towards northwest with a speed of 8 kmph during the last six hours, and lay centred over 90 km northeast of Chennai, 140 km southeast of Nellore, 270 km south of Bapatla and 300 km south of Machilipatnam as of 11.30 a.m. on Monday.

Thirty three flights from Chennai were diverted to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) here on Monday, as heavy rains continued to pound Tamil Nadu capital and nearby districts of the neighbouring state under the impact of a cyclonic storm.

According to officials of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) that operates KIA, both domestic as well as international flights including that of Indigo, SpiceJet, Etihad, Lufthansa and Gulf Air were diverted to the city from Chennai, where many flights have also been cancelled.

The Chennai airport has been closed for arrival and departure operations till 11 p.m. on Monday due to severe weather conditions - PTI

The University of Madras has postponed the exams scheduled for December 5. They will be rescheduled some other feasible date, said Controller of Examinations.

The Karaikudi - Chennai Egmore Pallavan superfast express (Train No. 12606) which left Karaikudi at 5.35 a.m. on Monday has been short terminated at Chengalpattu.

The Chennai Egmore - Karaikudi Pallavan superfast express (Train No. 12605) is partially cancelled between Chennai Egmore and Chengalpattu. The train will commence the journey from Chengalpattu Junction at its scheduled departure time of 4.50 p.m. on Monday.

The Madurai - Chennai Egmore Vaigai superfast express (Train No. 12636) which left Madurai at 6.40 a.m. is short terminated at Chengalpattu Junction on Monday.

The Chennai Egmore - Madurai Vaigai superfast express (Train No. 12635) is partially cancelled between Chennai Egmore and Chengalpattu Junction. It will commence the journey from Chengalpattu Junction at its scheduled departure time of 2.55 p.m.

The Madurai Junction - Chennai Egmore Tejas express which leaves Madurai at 3 p.m. is cancelled on Monday, a press release from the Tiruchi Railway Division said

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in a release on Monday afternoon has said the cyclonic storm Michaung over Westcentral and Southwest Bay of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh has intensified into a ‘severe cyclonic storm’.

A video of a mugger crocodile crawling on a waterlogged road near Perungalathur amidst heavy downpours due to Cyclone Michaung has gone viral on social media platforms.

The crocodile was spotted on Perungalathur-Nedungundram road in the late hours of Sunday, December 3, as per officials. In the video, the reptile was seen crossing the road and entering bushes along the side of the road even as commuters passed by. 

Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to Departments of Environment, Climate Change and Forests, took to social media and said there are a few mugger crocodiles in several water bodies in Chennai. This particular crocodile emerged onto the road due to overflowing water caused by the intense rainfall associated with Cyclone Michaung.

“There is no likelihood of harm to humans as long as these animals are left alone and unprovoked,” said Ms. Sahu in a post on social media platform X. 

The causeway across the Cooum on Poonamallee High Road which has been closed near Maduravoyal on Monday.

Image credit: M. Vedhan

Transport services took a severe hit as number of trains and flights were cancelled on Monday as relentless rains pounded various parts of Chennai and other districts.

Heavily inundated roads posed a challenge to road users who were few and far. Many parts of the State capital and the adjoining districts of Kancheepuram, Chengalpet and Tiruvallur came under sheets of water even as the government machinery was deployed to clear the stagnant water and inundation.

In its latest update, the weather office said the rains were likely to continue in these districts till late on Monday.

The Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority issued an advisory to private companies in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts, requesting them to advise their employees to work from home (WfH) on Tuesday, as much as possible.

The Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi issued an advisory in the wake of Cyclone Michaung on Monday. “Some of our Easter Coastal Districts have been badly affected by cyclone Michaung, and life has been disrupted. The situation is being monitored by the Central and State governments at the highest level.”

The Tamil Nadu government announced a public holiday in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts on December 5, Tuesday.

The public holiday has been declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.

Authorities plan to mobilise three additional National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams from Bengaluru for relief operations in affected areas.

Presently, 10 teams of 250 personnel are deployed in cyclone-affected districts —Chennai, Thiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kanchipuram, according to a press release. 

Of this, two NDRF teams stationed in Villupuram are actively involved in rescue operations within the Tambaram area of Chengalpattu district, where heavy rains pose challenges.

The Water Resources Department plans to increase the surplus release of water from the Chembarambakkam reservoir from 3,000 cusecs to 6,000 cusecs at 12.30 p.m. on Monday, as inflow is around 10,000 cusecs, and is on the rise.

The present level is 21.77 feet against 24 feet. Water discharge from the Red Hills reservoir has also been increased to 3,000 cusecs. The flood gates of Poondi reservoir will also be opened to discharge 1,000 cusecs at 2 p.m. as inflow from catchment areas is around 6,000 cusecs due to heavy rain. The present level is 33.50 feet as against 35 feet.

Greater Chennai Corporation will supply food for three lakh flood affected residents, said Minister K. N. Nehru on Monday.

Five thousand workers from other urban areas will reach Chennai to carry out flood relief operations, the Minister said.

Cyclone Michaung that formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal, has moved east-northeastwards with a speed of 10 kmph in the past six hours, and is at present, about 90 km off Chennai. It is further expected to move north-northwestwards and grow into a severe cyclonic storm by Monday (December 4, 2023) afternoon.

The cyclone will trigger heavy rains and strong surface winds over coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu until Monday evening, after which rains are expected to ease off.

Three more teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel to rush to Chennai. This is in addition to the teams deployed in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts.

The Chennai airport will not handle any departure or arrival of flights till 11 p.m. on Monday owing to strong winds and waterlogging in the airfield in the wake of Cyclone Michaung.

Several persons are stranded at the airport due to flight cancellations and the incessant rains.

“The water level in the Adyar river has been rising and hence, there is an impact on the airfield. The water is unable to drain from here. The passengers will be provided with food and beverages shortly. We will take a decision about night operation later in the day,” an official said.

Minister for Municipal Administration, Urban and Water Supply hold meeting with Additional Chief Secretary and Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner J. Radhakrishnan, Mayor R. Priya and officials regarding the works undertaken so far by the civic body to tackle Cyclone Michaung at Ripon Building on Monday.

Image credit: Special Arrangement

About 600 families were evacuated from the cyclone affected villages in Krishna district. More people would be evacuated from the Coastal villages, said Collector P. Raja Babu.

“Officials evacuated about 1,899 people from the Coastal villages in Machilipatnam, Koduru, Kruthivennu, Nagayalanka, Avanigadda, Bantumilli and Mopidevi mandals. Instructions have been given to shift 7,760 people more to safer places,” the Collector said.

Coastal Tamil Nadu has been witnessing heavy rain and strong wind since Monday morning. The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai, has said heavy rain and strong winds will continue over Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu districts until Monday night.

IndiGo has cancelled its ATR flights from Visakhapatnam – Tirupati, Tirupati – Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada – Vizag and Vizag – Vijayawada. 

Departure and arrival operations at Chennai airport have been suspended till 11 p.m., said Airports Authority of India (AAI) said on Monday.

Heavy rains continued to pound the city and nearby districts on Monday under the impact of a cyclonic storm, which is likely to cross the coast in Andhra Pradesh on December 5.

Commuters walk through the flooded EVK Sampath Salai. Photo Credit: R. Ragu

The flight operations have been disrupted in Chennai, Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam while 40 trains from to and from Kerala have been cancelled on Monday in view of the cyclone Michaung.

Officials of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said, the airfield will be shut for arrival operations from 9.17 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. on Monday. As far as departures are concerned, it will be left to the airlines’ discretion, owing to the persisting weather conditions. 

Water Resources Department will increase water discharge from chembarambakkam reservoir from 3000 cusecs to 6000 cusecs at 12.30 p.m. on Monday as inflow is around 10000 cusecs. 

Inflow is on the rise. The present level is 21.77 feet as against 24 feet.

T.N. Health and Family Welfare Minister Ma. Subramanian inspects measures by Parks Department workers of the Greater Chennai Corporation to clear a fallen tree in Besant Nagar.

Severe disruptions were experienced at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) as a result of bad weather and heavy rains in Chennai, attributed to the cyclonic storm named ‘Michaung.’ As many as four flights were affected by the adverse conditions.

Officials from GMR Hyderabad International Airport acknowledged the current situation and expressed concerns about potential escalation as the cyclone intensifies. They anticipate further delays and diversions throughout the day.

The Southern Railway would be operating passenger special for every one hour in all sections.

The move comes in the wake of Southern Railway cancelling suburban train operations due to heavy rain and water logging. In a press release the suburban train services in all sections were temporarily suspended upto 8 a.m.

Water overflowing from Govindavadi channel at Ocheri, Ranipet district.

Credits: C. Venkatachalapathy 

Water discharge from Red Hills reservoir will be increased from 2000 cusecs to 3000 cusecs today (4.12.23) as inflow is around 8000 cusecs. Intense rains continues over catchment areas. The present level is 20.20 feet against 21.20 feet, says WRD.

TDP General Secretary Nara Lokesh on Monday called off Yuva Galam Padayatra due to continuous rain and unfavourable weather in the wake of cyclone Michaung. Meanwhile, the Kakinada district authorities warned farmers and fisherfolk to be at home until cyclone Michaung makes its landfall. The Kakinada coast has been receiving continuous rainfall for the past few hours.

The Airport Authority of India has issued a notice that there would be no arrivals at the Chennai airport from 9.17 am to 11.30 am. Departure operations is subject to airlines discretion.

Credits: M. Karunakaran

The India Meteorological Department(IMD) has issued a red alert for a few districts in Rayalaseema, South and North Coastal Andhra Pradesh in view of the çyclonic storm ‘Michaung’ making a landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam during the forenoon of Tuesday.

The districts that will receive extremely heavy rainfall on Monday and marked red are: West Godavari, Konaseema, Nellore, Prakasam, Krishna, Bapatla, Guntur, Tirupati, Chittoor, Annamayya, YSR Kadapa.

Read more here...

IndiGo flight 6E 782 from Chennai to Coimbatore cancelled due to inclement weather. Accordingly, return flight 6E 918 stands cancelled, said Coimbatore airport director S. Senthil Valavan.

Due to heavy rains in Chennai, triggered by cyclonic storm ‘Michaung’, around 11 flights have been diverted to the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on Monday, December 4.

The Bangalore International Airport (BIAL) officials said that both domestic and international flights which were scheduled to land in Chennai were diverted to the KIA.

Madras High Court declares a holiday for all courts in Chennai today.

Long queue at Koyambedu metro station. Cyclone Michaung over southwest Bay of Bengal has moved east-northeastwards with a speed of 10 kmph in the past six hours, about 110 km of Chennai. 

Cyclone Michaung over southwest Bay of Bengal has moved east-northeastwards with a speed of 10 kmph in the past six hours, about 110 km of Chennai. It is further expected to move north-northwestwards and grow into a severe cyclonic storm by Monday forenoon.

It is likely to move parallel along north TN and south AP coasts and make a landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam by December 5 forenoon.

The cyclone would trigger heavy rains and strong surface winds over coastal districts- Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu until Monday night, said S.Balachandran, Additional Director-General of Meteorology. 

The Regional Meteorological Centre has advised people to stay safe.

Cyclonic Storm Michaung lays centered over Westcentral and adjoining Southwest Bay of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts at 05:30 hrs on December 4. 

The storm is likely to move north-northwestwards, intensify and cross between Nellore and Machilipatnam close to Bapatla during the forenoon of December 5 as Super Cyclonic Storm: IMD

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Waterlogging in Gopalapuram area in Zone 9 (Teynampet) near former Chief Minister Dr Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi’s residence in Chennai.

South canal bank road in Chennai flooded due to heavy rains caused by Cyclone Michaung.

Nine subways in chennai are closed due to flooding. They include, Madley, Rangarajapuram, Duraisamy, Mount, Ranganathan, Ganesapuram, Gengu Reddy, Villivakkam, and Nungambakkam.

Chennai Metro Rail trains have been operating since 5 a.m. However, severe water logging has been reported from St Thomas Mt metro station and access to entry point of the station has been cut off. Passengers can board the train at Alandur.

Access to Koyambedu station, approach roads flooded, hence passengers can come via the foot over bridge from Rohini Theatre side. It would be difficult to enter Arumbakkam station due to flooding on the roads near the station. 

Wallaja Road Subway side entry to Government Estate Metro Station is closed. Other entry points open. Other stations entry are accessible.

Eleven express trains from Chennai Central were cancelled on Monday after the water level reached the danger mark at Bridge No. 14 between Vyasarpadi and Basin Bridge owing to heavy downpours.

“In view of heavy rain in Chennai and the water crossing the danger level in Bridge No. 14 between Basin Bridge and Vyasarpady stations, the trains have been regulated as given below. Please go through and plan your journeys accordingly. We regret the inconvenience caused,” the Divisional Railway Manager, Chennai, Southern Railway, posted on X.

The trains suspended are “12007 Mysuru Shatabti Express, 12675 Coimbatore Kovai Express, 12243 Coimbatore Shatabti Express, 22625 KSR Bengaluru AC Double Decker Express, 12639 KSR Bengaluru Brindavan Express and 16057 Tirupati Sapthagiri Express.”

ANI

Heavy waterlogging in Chennai’s Saligramam due to heavy rains caused by Cyclone Michaung. 

Puducherry administration has imposed section 144 of CrPC on Beach Road to restrict movement of people as part of measures to brace for Cyclone Michaung.

A.P. State Diaster Management Authority (APSDMA) Managing Director B.R. Ambedkar has appealed to the people not to stay in thatched and old houses as heavy rains with strong gales are predicted in next 48 hours due to Cyclone Michaung.

For Chennai Metrowater complaints, residents may contact the 24-hour helplines-044-45674567 and 1916 for complaints, said a press release

The Southern Railway has cancelled suburban train services due to heavy rain and water logging. 

In a press release, it stated that the suburban train services in all sections have been temprorarily suspended until 8 a.m. 

Only Passenger Specials will be operated in these sections sections until further notice.

Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai, in its Nowcast valid till 10 a.m. has said moderate rains with intense spells at times is likely to occur over Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu districts.

According to Greater Chennai Corporation’s Integrated Command and Control Centre: Royapettah under Zone 9 recorded heaviest with 30.5mm rainfall. Avadi has received extremely heavy rainfall of 28 cm until 6 a.m. on Monday.

According to Airport Authority of India, many flights were diverted to Bengaluru as they were unable to land in Chennai, however, flights have slowly began to land. 

The World Meteorological Organisation says there can be more than one cyclone at a time in one particular location. Thus, each tropical storm is given a name to avoid confusion. The names given to these storms are usually short and easy to pronounce. This helps in better communication during a disaster. 

Many parts of Chennai witnessed heavy floods as cyclone Michaung intensifies. Pantheon Road in Chennai is submerged in water as riders struggle to get through the water. 

Many places received intense rains overnight. Meenambakkam received 20 cm of rainfall till 5.30 a.m. on Monday. Torrential downpour pounded many other places like Puzhal (18 cm), NIOT Pallikaranai (16 cm), Nungambakkam (15.4 cm), Villivakkam, Anna University and Taramani (14 cm).

Meanwhile in Andhra Pradesh, officials have began evacuating people from low lying areas in Coastal habitations.

In Krishna district, 57 Relief Camps have been set up. About 1,814 people were evacuated and 7,763 villagers have been shifted to the camps in Coastal mandals, said Collector P. Raja Babu.

The Cyclonic Storm Michaung over Southwest Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards with a speed of 14 kmph during past 06 hours and lay centered at 02:30 hours IST of December 4, 2023 over the Southwest & adjoining Westcentral Bay of Bengal, about 200 km east-northeast of Puducherry, 130 km east of Chennai, 220 km southeast of Nellore, 330 km south-southeast of Bapatla and 350 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam. 

It is likely to continue to move north-northwestwards, intensify further and reach Westcentral Bay Of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamilnadu coasts by today, December 4 forenoon. Thereafter, it would move nearly northwards almost parallel and close to south Andhra Pradesh coast and cross South Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam during December 5 forenoon as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph.

Due to the reverberation of Cyclone Michaung, the sea level has increased to about 5 feet in Tamil Nadu’s Mahabalipuram beach.

As a result, fishermen and tourists have been banned from going to the seashore while the Chennai Meteorological Department has issued a warning that the Cyclone will move to the northwest coast of Tamil Nadu today and cross the coast between Andhra Pradesh.

Because of this, a warning of very heavy rainfall has been issued for 4 districts namely Chennai, Chengalpattu, Thiruvallur and Kanchipuram for today and tomorrow followed by the east coast. In this case, due to the echo of Cyclone Michaung, the sea level has increased to a height of about 5 feet in various coastal areas including Mahabalipuram, Venpurusham, Kokkilamedu, Devaneri, New Edaiyur Kuppam, Salavankuppam, Pattipulam Kuppam, Sulerikadu, Perur, Nemmeli, New Kalpakkam.

ANI

Given the Cyclone alert issued by the Indian Meteorological Department, the district collector announced holidays for all educational institutions in the NTR district on December 4 and 5.

The collector’s order further said that the schools might have to compensate for these holidays with the ensuing Second Saturdays, in case of a shortfall of 220 working academic days.

Cyclone ‘Michaung’ is expected to hit the west-central Bay of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts by December 4 forenoon, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 21 teams for rescue and relief operations, the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) informed on Sunday.

ANI

The Tamil Nadu government has declared leave for schools and colleges in Villupuram district on December 4

People on Sunday were advised not to venture to water bodies near VIT/Nedungundram Lake, as a crocodile was spotted near the lake late Sunday evening. 

The Forest Department has advised people not to go near the area. 

Forest Officials and DFO Chennai have been informed to take necessary action. 

The IMD on Sunday issued heavy to very heavy rainfall warning for Monday in Thiruvallur, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranippettai, Vellore, Thiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi and Thenkasi districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. 

The Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai said there would be water logging in some areas, with slippery roads. 

Traffic may be affected in some areas. 

Here are a few images released by the IMD, that marks the cyclone. 

The Cyclonic Storm Michaung over Southwest Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards with a speed of 13 kmph during past 06 hours and lay centered at 2330 hours IST of 3rd December, 2023 over the same region near Latitude 12.8°N and Longitude 81.6°E, about 210 km east-northeast of Puducherry, 150 km east-southeast of Chennai, 250 km southeast of Nellore, 360 km south-southeast of Bapatla and 380 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam. 

It is likely to continue to move north-northwestwards, intensify further and reach Westcentral Bay Of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamilnadu coasts by 4th December forenoon. Thereafter, it would move nearly northwards almost parallel and close to south Andhra Pradesh coast and cross South Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam during forenoon of 5th December as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph.