WATCH | No respite from Chennai rains: City braces for more heavy downpour as cyclone Michaung nears

Tamil Nadu districts, including Chennai, and Puducherry that have been witnessing heavy rainfall, waterlogging and power disruption since Monday morning are now bracing for worse. The IMD has forecast a cyclonic storm to cross South Andhra Pradesh and the adjoining North Tamil Nadu coast, between Chennai and Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh, around 4 December evening.

The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm ‘Michaung’ and triggered heavy rain in Chennai and most parts of Tamil Nadu.

Chennai and its neighboring districts received heavy rainfall overnight, with Meenambakkam recording 196 mm and Nungambakkam receiving 154.3 mm in the 24 hours leading up to 5:30 am on Monday morning.

Cyclone ‘Michaung’ update

“Cyclone ‘Michaung’ lies about 100 km from East-North East of Chennai. In the last six hours, it has moved at the speed of 10 km/hour and it’s expected to move in the northwest direction, intensified to severe cyclonic storm is expected by 4 noon on Monday. Further, it will move parallel to the coast of north Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh, expected to cross Nellore- Machilipatnam by Tuesday at 4 noon,” Chennai Regional Metrology Director Balachandran said.

“Heavy rainfall and strong winds are likely to continue till Monday evening in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Thiruvallur districts,” Balachandran added.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Balachandran, Chennai Regional Metrology Director says, “Cyclone ‘Michaung’ lies about 100 km from East-North East of Chennai. In the last 6 hours, it has moved at the speed of 10 km/hr and it’s expected to move in the northwest direction, intensified to… pic.twitter.com/awRtcSiV8A

— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2023

Chennai airport operations suspended

Due to heavy rain and flooding, Chennai airport operations have been suspended for two hours.

Trains cancelled

Heavy rains have forced authorities to temporarily shut bridge No.14 between Basin Bridge and Vyasarpadi as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. This has resulted in the cancellation of six trains departing from Dr MGR Chennai Central railway station, including those bound for Coimbatore and Mysuru. The Southern Railway has announced that all passengers affected by the train cancellations will receive full refunds.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: As cyclone 'Michaung' approaches Chennai coast, accompanied by heavy rainfall, several trains are delayed and a few have been cancelled.

(Visuals from Egmore Railway Station) pic.twitter.com/5SfV1Xr81L

— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2023

Schools, colleges, govt offices closed

Due to massive rainfall and waterlogging, schools, colleges, and government offices in Chennai and three adjoining districts have been ordered to remain closed on Monday.

The Tamil Nadu government has urged private companies to allow their employees to work from home.

Chennai rain deaths

Amid heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds, a newly constructed wall collapsed in the Kanathur area, East Coastal Road, Chennai, on Monday morning.

Two people died and one was critically injured in this incident. The deceased are residents of Jharkhand, said Kanathur Police who are investigating the matter.

Chennai submerged in water

Severe waterlogging due to heavy rainfall in Chennai city, Thillai Ganga Nagar Subway in Alandur has been closed.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Amid severe water logging due to heavy rainfall in Chennai city, Thillai Ganga Nagar Subway in Alandur has been closed. pic.twitter.com/jnQYVuJ9a1

— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2023

Heavy rainfall in Chennai caused massive waterlogging in parts of the city.

Visuals from Ashok Nagar area of the city showed waterlogged roads and uprooted trees.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Heavy rainfall in Chennai causes massive waterlogging in parts of the city.

(Visuals from Ashok Nagar area of the city) pic.twitter.com/i0N9NJb8Hl

— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2023

Visuals from Vadapalani and Arumbakkam areas of Chennai also saw the roads submerged in water.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Heavy rainfall in Chennai causes massive waterlogging in parts of the city.

(Visuals from Vadapalani and Arumbakkam areas of the city) pic.twitter.com/xvmB35Vu47

— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2023

Waterlogged Chennai

Here are more visuals from parts of Tamil Nadu showing the city waterlogged after overnight heavy rainfall.

VIDEO | Severe waterlogging in GST Road, Chromepet, Chennai after the region receives heavy rainfall in the wake of #CycloneMichuang.#TamilNaduRains #ChennaiRain pic.twitter.com/RIpKe2H5Tr

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 4, 2023

VIDEO | Waterlogging inside Tambaram Government Hospital in Chennai after heavy rain lashes the region.#CycloneMichaung pic.twitter.com/SCGLEoKjJn

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 4, 2023

With inputs from agencies