Chennai region sees heavy downpour for 12 hours as Cyclone Michaung is at its closest to city

Issuing a red alert, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall “with extremely heavy falls” in north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry for the next 24 hours — or, for most of Monday.

The cyclone has been moving north-northwestwards at 14 kmph during the past six hours.

Following the heavy rainfall, air traffic from Chennai airport has been suspended temporarily.

#COMK #CycloneMichaung Nowcast 7:30 AM, 4th Dec.’23 #ChennaiRains
Cyclone Michaung now closest to #Chennai in its life cycle so far and showing a NW trend compared to NNW trend during the night, this is adding a complex dynamic to the impact from the cyclone over North Coastal… pic.twitter.com/PNWIFw6Kwe

— Chennai Rains (COMK) (@ChennaiRains) December 4, 2023

Related: Andhra CM takes stock of preparations for Cyclone Michaung

High tides and power cuts

High tides were witnessed along the Chennai, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, and Puducherry costs, as the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into Cyclone Michaung.

The IMD has predicted heavy rainfall over Vellore, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Thiruvannamalai, Kallakkurichi, Cuddalore, and Kancheepuram.

Meanwhile, the remaining parts of the state might witness thunderstorms and lightning.

In Chennai, several area were flooded and power cuts and internet disruptions have been reported from several many of the city.

Tangedco officials South First reached out to said that power has been suspended as a precautionary measure.

As much as 20 cm of rainfall has been recorded at Valasaravakkam in the city. Water is being pumped out to disposal points at several places, including Chepauk, and Kolathur Jawahar Nagar using high-power motors by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) workers.

The Tamil Nadu government had deputed 17 IAS officers to monitor and assist the corporation to clear the waterlogging.

The Chennai Corporation had requested the people of the city to stay indoors as the next band of the cyclone is moving into the city, sustaining winds at a speed of 35 to 80 kmph.

The corporation commissioner J Radhakrishnan, who is monitoring the situation at the war room at Rippon building, has advised people against venturing out unless very essential, as many roads are inundated.

The GCC also issued a toll number — 1913 — in case of emergencies and for rescue services.

#CycloneMichaung #ChennaiFloods

Tamil Nadu government declares a public holiday for tomorrow ( Dec 5th 2023 ) in Chennai & other districts. pic.twitter.com/hFEJdzoFXa

— South First (@TheSouthfirst) December 4, 2023

Related: Michaung to make landfall between Nellore, Machilipatnam on 5 Dec

Health advisory

The Directorate of Public Health has urged people to drink boiled water. Heating water to a rolling boil will inactivate pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, said Director of Public Health Dr TS Selva Vinayagam.

Till 6 am on Monday, 4 December, Nungambakkam had recorded 154.3 mm of rain, Meenambakkam 196.0 mm, Kanchipuram district received 156.5 mm, and Puducherry recorded 30 mm of rainfall.

Rainfall recorded in other areas: In Chennai, Taramani (Chennai) 141.5, NIOT (Chennai) 162.0, YMCA Nandanam 132.5, Puzhal 178.5, Meenambakkam AWS 188, Ennoreport127.5, Anna University 135, Sholinganallur 172.8, Valasaravakkam 195.9, Perungudi 185.7, Mugalivakkam 135.9, Maduravayal 126.9, Malar colony 186.9, Uthandi-130.5, Adayar 166.2, Vanagaram 123.9, Kodambakkam 179.1, Ambattur 146.4, Teynampet 144.9, Kolathur 152.4, Ice house 144.0, and in Kathivakkam-131.4 mm.

Moderate intensity rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning was seen at many places over Tiruvallur, Chengalpet and Kanchipuram districts, and at a few places over Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Kallakurichi, Vellore, Thirupattur, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri and Salem districts of Tamil Nadu till 7am.