As cyclone Michaung moves northwards, Chennai saw a dry spell on Tuesday and rainwater has started receding from major areas in the city. The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted light to moderate rains in Chennai and neighbouring districts today.
As per IMD forecast at 7am, light thunderstorm and lightning with light to moderate rain is very likely at one or two places over Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpet, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Vellore, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tiruppur and Dindigul districts. According to IMD, they have recorded a departure of 29 per cent from seasonal rainfall levels in Chennai. From October 1 to to December 4, IMD recorded 58cm of rainfall in Nugambakkam while normal is 5cm and 50cm rainfall was recorded in Meenambakkam where too normal is 5cm.
#WATCH | Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inspects the cyclone-ravaged areas and interacts with the people.
— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2023
He also distributes food to the cyclone-affected people.
(Source: Tamil Nadu DIPR) pic.twitter.com/rUl59Uf3AY
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin reviewed the relief measures along with ministers here and visited the Greater Chennai Corporation building on Tuesday. Talking to presspersons, Stalin said, “Relief measures are progressing. Sanitary workers and other staff have been brought from all Corporations in Tamil Nadu to Chennai for relief activities. 14 ministers are also on the ground overseeing relief works.”
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Flood-like situation persists in West Tambaram CTO colony and Sasivaradhan Nagar area of Chennai, people use boats pic.twitter.com/YWRdhXHfvE
— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2023
Stalin said the state government would seek relief funds from the Centre. “Owing to unprecedented rains, roads and residences have been damaged. We would write a letter to the Centre seeking Rs5,000 Crore for relief works. DMK MPs would also raise the issue in Parliament,” Stalin said.
Chennai metro rail services resumed at 5am on Tuesday and the agency said they would be following Sunday’s timetable for train operations today.
The Chennai International Airport, which was closed owing to rains resumed operations in the morning. “Airfield now open for all arrival and departure operations”, Airport authorities tweeted.
The Greater Chennai Police in a release on Tuesday morning said 17 subways have been closed due to waterlogging. Eight persons have died in various parts of the city, police said.
The electricity department said power would be restored to 80 per cent of areas in the forenoon itself.
