Cyclone Michaung batters India's southern Andhra Pradesh state

Cyclone Michaung storm batters India’s southern Andhra Pradesh state and causes heavy rains leading to landfall. Nine persons, including a child, have died in Andhra Pradesh and the neighboring Tamil Nadu state in rain-related incidents.

Authorities in both states have evacuated thousands of residents from low-lying areas. Many neighborhoods have been flooded and videos show cars floating in the water.

Cyclonic storm batters India's southern coast https://t.co/Twu6bGedUP
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) December 5, 2023

Cyclone Michaung has made landfall in Andhra Pradesh between Nellore and Kavali. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the storm has wind speeds of up to 100km/h (68mph), which will decrease as the cyclone fades after landfall.

The Severe Cyclonic Storm Michaung crossed south Andhra Pradesh coast close to south of Bapatla during 1230 to 1430 hours IST 5 Dec Severe Cyclonic Storm with maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 https://t.co/0hojO5lYwA 1430 hrs IST,
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) December 5, 2023

Cyclone Michaung batters India’s southern Andhra Pradesh state

Heavy rain hit Chennai all night Monday as Cyclone Michaung approached the Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh coasts. Severe flooding and rain-related incidents are happening throughout the city.

Following heavy rain and gusting winds, a newly built wall collapsed in Chennai’s Kanathur, killing two persons and injuring another. Severe rain owing to Cyclone Michaung has delayed and suspended multiple flights at Chennai International Airport.

Flight operations have stopped till 11 p.m. on Monday due to severe weather. Previously, arrivals at Chennai International Airport had to be delayed between 9.17 a.m. and 11.30 a.m.

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Several parts of Chennai reported water-logging, making transportation difficult even after the rains ended. Some people told BBC Tamil reporters that they were struggling as a result of power cuts and water supply disruptions caused by the rains.

Andhra Pradesh authorities evacuated about 7,000 people from coastal regions in Tamil Nadu due to strong rains and winds of about 7,000 people on Monday.

Meteorological experts in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have issued a red alert in multiple regions. Several districts have closed schools, colleges, and countless offices. In Andhra Pradesh, the transportation authorities have canceled several flights and trains. There are reports of crop damage due to heavy rain.