Cyclone Michaung made landfall in southern India during a recent extreme weather event. The storm caused extensive destruction and resulted in floods that killed at least nine people.
Preparations are underway for what officials in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh refer to as the “worst cyclone in recent memory.” Following deluges of rain, Michaung released massive waves that flooded coastal cities, drowning highways and resulting in the terrible deaths of nine people, including a toddler.
Cyclone Michaung, dubbed a “severe cyclonic storm” by the Indian Meteorological Department, made landfall in coastal Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday afternoon, near the city of Bapatla. Winds gusting to 100 km/h (62 mph) were recorded.
In certain areas of the state, the meteorological department predicts more than 200 millimetres (8 inches) of rain over the course of the next 24 hours. M.K. Stalin, the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, a neighbouring state, declared, “We are facing the impact of the worst cyclone,” as government officials evacuated thousands of residents from coastal locations.
Before making landfall, Chennai’s highways in Tamil Nadu saw hazardous flooding. Eight people were reportedly killed, according to officials; some died from drowning, some from collisions with trees, and one person was entangled in live wires that were submerged in water.
Deep floodwaters uprooted trees, carried people and cars, and submerged homes in Chennai, according to locals. Even metropolitan roads have been observed to host crocodile sightings. According to S. Nagaraju, Executive Director of the State’s Disaster Management Authority, a four-year-old boy sadly lost his life after a wall fell in the Tirunelveli district of Andhra Pradesh.
Authorities issued warnings about the projected ferocity of the cyclone, prompting the preemptive shutdown of businesses, schools, transportation services, and industrial operations prior to impact. Chennai’s airport had to be temporarily closed due to flooding as well.
Rescue teams have been sent to the impacted districts, according to Federal Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah, and they are prepared to mobilise more if necessary. He gave the assurance that the government is ready to help Andhra Pradesh in whatever way that is required.
Cyclone Michaung is predicted to weaken on Wednesday following its delayed and diminished effect on Tuesday.