Cyclone Michaung: Chaos, destruction and rescue efforts – 10 points

Cyclone Michaung: The weather experts at the Chennai Meteorological Centre predicted that on Tuesday morning, ten districts in Tamil Nadu could expect moderate rain, along with some light thunderstorms and lightning.

Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are on high alert as a severe storm named Cyclone Michaung is anticipated to reach the land today. Both states have experienced heavy rains and thunderstorms in the past 24 hours.

Authorities mentioned on Monday that they are closely monitoring the cyclone’s movement and evaluating its possible effects. They also stated that the approaching storm has resulted in five fatalities and one injury in different incidents across Chennai. Strong winds caused numerous trees to be uprooted across the state, affecting the daily lives of locals. The southern state experienced significant waterlogging and related problems.

Tragically, eight individuals lost their lives in rain-related incidents in Chennai. Among them, two died due to electrocution, and one person was fatally struck by a falling tree in the upscale Besant Nagar area, according to the police.

Media displayed footage of flooded streets in Chennai with cars floating due to heavy rain. A viral video even captured a crocodile navigating the flooded city streets. Many areas were submerged in knee-deep water, and there have been ongoing power outages since morning.

The arrival and departure services at the Chennai airport were halted due to waterlogging and bad weather conditions. However, the services resumed earlier in the morning at 9 am.

As Cyclone Michaung is anticipated to hit near Bapatla on the Andhra Pradesh coast by Tuesday noon, it brings back memories of December 2015. During that time, catastrophic floods resulted in the tragic loss of at least 290 lives.

Here are ten points you need to know about Cyclone Michaung and the destruction it had caused in 2015 and now:

1. As of October 1, Tamil Nadu’s seasonal rain deficit has decreased to 4%. The average rainfall for this season stands at 37 cm. Weather experts noted that the amount of rain received in a single day during December 2015 was higher.
2. In the 24-hour duration until 8:30 a.m. on December 2, 2015, Nungambakkam recorded 29.4 cm of rainfall, while Meenambakkam recorded 34.5 cm of rainfall.
3. Around 70 flights got canceled, and 33 were diverted to Bengaluru while operations ceased at Chennai airport until 9 am on Tuesday. Media displayed images of planes parked on the ground, their wheels partly submerged due to heavy rainfall.
4. Foxconn and Pegatron, manufacturing Apple iPhones near Chennai, halted production due to heavy rains. The industries department allowed only essential supply companies to operate. Schools, colleges, offices, and banks closed in four districts due to severe weather conditions.
5. At least 86 express train services, including popular ones like Chennai Central-Coimbatore Vande Bharat Express and Chennai Central-KSR Bengaluru Shatabdi Express, were fully canceled. Additionally, trains such as Mysuru-Chennai Central Shatabdi Express and Chennai Central-Tirupati Express were also affected. Three trains changed routes, and 12 trains had their routes shortened to or from stations like Katpadi, Arakkonam, Tiruvallur, Avadi, Chennai Beach, and Chengalpattu. Chennai’s suburban rail traffic on all routes was temporarily stopped. Special passenger trains are being run to help stranded passengers.
6. The Railway Ministry established an emergency control cell in Chennai and a war room at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi. Extra enquiry counters and special booths were arranged at Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore, and Katpadi to help passengers and process refunds. Staff like section supervisors, commercial inspectors, and ticket checking personnel are focusing on special monitoring tasks and assisting passengers affected by train cancellations and diversions.
7. The chief minister shared rainfall stats, stating that over 15 areas in Chennai got more than 20 cm of rain. Perungudi had the highest at 29.16 cm. Chengalpet and Avadi in Thiruvallur district also had heavy rainfall, recording 27.6 cm in Avadi and 22.04 cm in Mahabalipuram within 24 hours.
8. In Tamil Nadu, 236 relief camps are active in eight locations, supporting 9,634 people with food, water, and essential supplies. Chief Minister Stalin mentioned the involvement of 725 personnel from police, fire, rescue, SDRF, and NDRF in relief operations. Specifically in Chennai, 250 personnel are focused on relief and rehabilitation. Additionally, 1,929 electricity pumps are working to drain water from flooded areas. Orders were given for seven more ministers to join in relief and rehabilitation efforts.
9. On Monday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had discussions with the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry. He assured them of full central assistance as required. Shah mentioned that the NDRF personnel are adequately deployed, and additional teams are prepared to provide further support if needed.
10. The Indian Army promptly responded to a critical request for help from the Greater Chennai Corporation. They initiated rescue and relief operations with boats, flood relief supplies, and vehicles. The army successfully rescued and aided around 300 people to safety.