Live Updates on Cyclone Michaung: With Cyclone Michaung closing in on the North Tamil Nadu coast, numerous areas in Chennai are experiencing inundation due to intense rainfall and severe waterlogging. The IMD (Indian Meteorological Department) has forecasted continuous heavy rainfall in Chennai and its neighboring regions over the next 24 hours. Balachandran, Director of Chennai Regional Meteorology, anticipates that Cyclone Michaung, presently 100 kilometers away from Chennai, will escalate into a severe cyclonic storm by noon today. Its projected path will run parallel to the coast of North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh, passing through Nellore-Machilipatnam around noon tomorrow. The persistence of heavy rainfall and powerful winds is expected to persist in Chennai and nearby districts.
In preparation for the impending cyclone, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed within the city. Widespread power outages and waterlogging in low-lying areas have disrupted normal life. The Thillai Ganga Nagar Subway in Alandur has been shut down due to substantial waterlogging in the vicinity. Since the early hours of the morning, relentless rainfall accompanied by cyclonic winds has led to the saturation of lakes and ponds in the Chengalpattu district, resulting in flooding across all areas and roads.
The inundation of Kilyar Bridge near Madhuranthakam has disrupted transportation to ten villages. The Mahabalipuram-Chengalpattu road is submerged, cutting off traffic. Furthermore, the adverse weather conditions in the Mahabalipuram area have caused power poles to collapse, resulting in electricity outages at various locations.
The situation worsened as Chennai experienced continued heavy rainfall overnight, causing extensive waterlogging that left vehicles submerged. The state faced traffic congestion in multiple parts of the city due to the excessive accumulation of rainwater.
The impact of the cyclone has led to the cancellation of 11 express trains, prompted by water levels surpassing the danger mark in the Basin Bridge-Vyasarpadi section. Train services across all Chennai Suburban sections have been temporarily suspended for 8 hours, with only Passenger Specials set to operate until further notice.