Cyclone Michaung, which inflicted havoc on Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, has now subsided and transformed into a low-pressure system in Jharkhand, according to a meteorologist from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Ranchi.
The meteorologist, AE Kujur, highlighted that the erstwhile cyclone has weakened, resulting in sporadic light to moderate rainfall across Jharkhand. The cloudy weather is expected to persist, with conditions anticipated to remain prevalent until today.
IMD Director General Mrityunjay Mohapatra affirmed the waning impact of Cyclone Michaung, stating that it had weakened considerably and ceased to pose any catastrophic threat. He elucidated that after making landfall on the previous day, the cyclonic storm gradually lost strength, eventually devolving into a well-marked low-pressure zone centered over Northeast Telangana, South Chhattisgarh, South Interior Odisha, and Coastal Andhra Pradesh.
Despite the improving weather, Chennai continued to grapple with severe waterlogging following the cyclone’s landfall. Various locales, including Pallikaranai and Jerusalem College of Engineering, were inundated due to substantial rainfall. Additionally, heavy rainfall in the Kodaikanal Hills of Dindigul district led to overflowing waterfalls.
However, with improved weather conditions, normal operations resumed for the Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train service from Chennai Central (MMC) station to Tiruttani. Earlier disruptions in transportation services were attributed to the impact of Cyclone Michaung.
Considering the aftermath of the cyclone, the Tamil Nadu government declared a holiday for schools and colleges in severely affected districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu. Closure orders were extended to six taluks due to severe flooding.
In response to the crisis, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted relief operations, airdropping 2,300 kg of relief materials in the flood-affected zones of Chennai. Simultaneously, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh conducted an aerial survey and convened a meeting with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin to assess the situation.
Addressing the need for relief, the Central government swiftly released an advanced share of the second installment of the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) to aid Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, amounting to Rs 493.60 crore and Rs 450 crore, respectively, considering the impact of the cyclonic storm on these states.