As the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal expanded into the severe cyclonic storm 'Michaung' today, various places in Tamil Nadu, including the capital city of Chennai, were pummelling with heavy rain and strong winds. As rains disturbed regular living, the Tamil Nadu government proclaimed a public holiday in four districts of Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, and Kancheepuram.
Because of the cyclone, the Chennai International Airport has been closed till Monday night, while the South Central Railways has cancelled at least 144 trains. As National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) workers rescued persons trapped in several districts, low-lying regions were inundated owing to excessive waterlogging.
People' homes have been drenched by "merciless" rain in a 12-hour period, according to social media users. Several videos show strong winds blowing and big swaths of country under water.
Strong winds toppled trees, and heavy rains fell in numerous locations overnight.
People were observed wading through knee-deep water in Chennai neighbourhoods such as Chromepet, Perambur, and Tambaram. Early Monday, the Tambaram Government Hospital was also swamped by rains.
As heavy rains and squally winds continued to hammer the region, Chennai experienced power outages and internet outages.
While rain is predicted to persist in Tamil Nadu, the cyclone will hit the South Andhra Pradesh coast on Tuesday (December 5) as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with maximum sustained winds of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph.