Air Vistara UK 821 from Mumbai landed at 11.19 am on December 5, 2023. Photo: @aaichnairport / X12jav.net
Chennai airport resumed flight services on December 5, after nearly a day of closure due to heavy rains caused by Cyclone Michaung. The airport team received instructions to maintain terminals, manage traffic and ensure passenger facilities, including the availability of trollies. The closure lasted until 09:00 am on December 5, initially suspended until 11 pm on December 4 due to severe rainfall and winds linked to Cyclone Michaung.
Tragically, eight people lost their lives in Chennai amid heavy rains prompted by the severe cyclonic storm. Michaung brought substantial rainfall to various areas across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry in recent days. The downpour resulted in extensive flooding, causing damage to structures, trees and electric poles. Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader, expressed condolences for the losses caused by Cyclone Michaung, urging Congress members in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha to support government relief and rescue efforts.
Cyclone Michaung, originating over the Bay of Bengal and intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm, is expected to cross the south Andhra coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam around noon on December 5. The severe cyclonic storm is anticipated to bring winds gusting up to speeds of 90-100 kilometres per hour.
Simultaneously, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted rainfall and thunderstorms in various parts of the state. On Tuesday, light to moderate rains with thunderstorms and lightning are expected in a few places across the southern state. Heavy rain is likely in one or two places in Tiruvallur and Ranipet districts on the same day. Thunderstorms and lightning are also anticipated in a few places across the state.
The Met Department issued a fisherfolk warning for the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts and adjacent areas on December 5 and 6. Fisherfolk are advised not to venture into the southwest Bay of Bengal and along and off north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts until December 6.
Until the same date, fisherfolk are also cautioned against venturing into the west-central Bay of Bengal and along and off the Andhra Pradesh coast, as well as the northwest Bay of Bengal and along and off the Odisha coast.
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