Cyclone Michaung Weakens; Flooded Chennai Out of Connectivity, Power | Drone Captures Aftermath

Cyclonic storm Michaung crossed Andhra Pradesh close to Baptla on Tuesday and weakened into a deep depression over central coastal Andhra Pradesh, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) informed on Wednesday.

“Cyclonic Storm ‘MICHAUNG’ weakened into a Deep Depression over Central Coastal AP. About 100 km north-northwest of Bapatla and 50 km southeast of Khammam. To weaken further into a Depression in the next 06 hours and further into a WML during subsequent 06 hours,” the weather agency said in an X post.

Meanwhile, Chennai is still reeling under flood due to heavy rainfall owing to cyclone Michaung. Several parts of the city experienced no electricity or internet connectivity for 72 hours straight.

Although the intensity of rain reduced on Tuesday, waterlogging was reported in some parts of the city, especially the suburban areas.

Here are latest updates on Cyclone Michaung –

• A press release on Wednesday said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday seeking a grant of interim relief of Rs 5,060 crore in connection with the damage caused by Cyclone Michaung.
• “‘Especially, the damage is severe in areas under the Corporation of Chennai. Infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and public buildings have suffered severe damage. The livelihood of lakhs of people has been affected.’ Explaining these in detail, chief minister Stalin has written to PM Modi, seeking an interim relief of Rs 5,060 crore under different heads,” the release stated.
• Deep Depression (remnant of Cyclonic Storm Michaung) has weakened into a Depression over Northeast Telangana and adjoining south Chhattisgarh-south interior Odisha, coastal AP, about 50 km east-northeast of Khammam. It will weaken further into a well-marked low-pressure area in the next 06 hours, IMD stated on Wednesday.
•  A red alert has been issued in eight areas of Andhra Pradesh – Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema and Kakinada- as weather agencies predicted that harsh weather conditions in the state- will prevail till Thursday.
• Odisha remains on alert as the intensity of rainfall is likely to increase. Light showers were recorded in Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati and Kalahandi districts of Odisha till the evening, and the intensity is likely to increase overnight, officials said.
• The storm damaged 770-kilometre roads, uprooted 35 trees and killed three livestock, among others, a PTI report said.
• According to data shared by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Cyclone Michaung affected nearly 40 lakh people from 194 villages and two towns and led to the inundation of 25 villages.
• Ruling YSR Congress Party MLA G Srinivas Naidu inspected rice crops in Kalavacharla village in Andhra and assured farmers that the state government would take responsibility for purchasing every grain and facilitating its transportation to rice mills, ensuring that no further losses.
•  The cyclone triggered heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with Chennai and its surrounding districts bearing the maximum brunt of it.
•  At least 17 people have died in rain-related incidents in Chennai, while property worth crores has been damaged.
• Chennai is reeling under heavy floods due to the heavy rainfall at the onset of cyclone Michaung. A corporation of Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore, sent 12 motors with 41 HP capacity to the flood-ravaged city to flush out the waters.
• Bollywood actor Aamir Khan was also stuck in the Chennai flood caused by Cyclone Michaung, along with Tamil actor Vishnu Vishal and was rescued by the Chennai Fire personnel on Tuesday.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) Chetak helicopters were deployed for flood relief operations in Chennai. The relief material was dropped in the general area of Adyar and close to Chennai Harbour.