Defense Minister Rajnath Singh undertook an aerial survey of the cyclone-affected regions in Tamil Nadu and engaged in discussions with Chief Minister MK Stalin to evaluate the aftermath and assess required relief measures.
Authorities from the National Disaster Management Authority, Police, Navy, and other departments joined the meeting between the Defense Minister and the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister after the aerial survey. During this session, Singh was briefed on the cyclone’s impact, the resultant damage, and the requisite assistance needed from the Center.
In an earlier social media post, Rajnath Singh conveyed his departure from New Delhi to Chennai to assess the flood situation caused by Cyclone Michaung. The agenda included an aerial survey of the affected areas and a comprehensive review of the situation in collaboration with the state government.
Leaving New Delhi for Chennai to assess the flood situation caused due to ‘Michaung’ Cyclone in Tamil Nadu. Shall conduct an aerial survey of the affected areas and also review the situation with the State Government.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 7, 2023
During the aerial survey, the Defense Minister was accompanied by Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, and the state’s chief secretary.
Meanwhile, the Central government quickly released an advance share of the second installment of the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF), totaling Rs 493.60 crore for Andhra Pradesh and Rs 450 crore for Tamil Nadu, in recognition of the impact of Cyclone Michaung on both states.
Despite improving weather conditions, parts of Chennai remained under water due to persistent heavy rainfall following the cyclone’s landfall. Several areas remained inundated, including Pallikaranai and the Jerusalem College of Engineering. Furthermore, heavy rains in the Kodaikanal Hills caused overflowing waterfalls in the Dindigul district.
Conducted an aerial survey of flood affected areas in Chennai and nearby rural areas. pic.twitter.com/0zl8HbMbdC
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 7, 2023
As conditions ameliorated, the Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train service resumed normal operations, departing from Chennai Central (MMC) station for Tiruttani. Schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu were closed due to severe flooding, along with six taluks in the region.
In response to the crisis, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted relief operations, airdropping 2,300 kg of relief materials in flood-affected areas of Chennai. These efforts were coordinated with the Tamil Nadu government and various state agencies providing relief materials.
Expressing his condolences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his sympathies to the families who lost loved ones due to Cyclone Michaung. He affirmed the government’s relentless efforts to assist those affected, ensuring continued support until normalcy is fully restored.