Cyclone Michaung: Heavy rains in southern India as storm makes landfall

India’s southern Andhra Pradesh state is grappling with heavy rains and strong winds as a severe cyclonic storm makes landfall. Nine individuals, including a child, have lost their lives in rain-related incidents in Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring Tamil Nadu. Thousands of residents have been evacuated from low-lying areas, with flooded residential zones and videos depicting cars floating in water.

Cyclone Michaung struck between Nellore and Kavali in Andhra Pradesh, bringing wind speeds of up to 110km/h (68mph), expected to diminish as the cyclone weakens post-landfall. Approximately 9,500 people in Andhra Pradesh have sought refuge in 211 relief camps. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts continued extremely heavy rainfall in Andhra Pradesh, with the storm transforming into a depression by Wednesday morning.

Tragedies include a four-year-old’s death in Tirupati district due to a collapsed wall, while Tamil Nadu reported eight deaths from falling structures and electrocution. Meteorological authorities issued red alerts in select areas of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, leading to widespread closures of schools, colleges, and offices. Flight and train cancellations have been reported, alongside crop damage.

Warnings for rain and wind persist in Telangana and Odisha along the Bay of Bengal coast. Fishermen are advised against venturing into rough seas, with the potential for severe house damage. Evacuations occurred in Tamil Nadu as the cyclone approached, causing Chennai airport’s temporary closure due to flooding. Operations resumed as the cyclone moved northward, yet disruptions affected Chennai’s electronics and manufacturing hub. Water-logging persisted in some areas after rains ceased, with residents facing challenges such as power outages and disrupted water supply.