Michaung makes landfall, claims 12 lives in Chennai

NT Bureau, Agencies

Chennai/Amaravati/ Bhubaneswar/Hyderabad: Severe cyclonic storm Michaung made landfall crossing south Andhra Pradesh coast between 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm on Tuesday leaving its maximum fury to be felt on Monday in Chennai and adjoining areas in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

Southern districts of Odisha and eastern Telangana continue to be on alert. At least 12 people lost their lives in various rainrelated incidents in and around Chennai even as personnel on fishing boats and farm tractors were engaged in rescuing stranded people in the city on Tuesday.

After being pounded by rains the whole of Monday, Chennai witnessed some respite on Tuesday even as the city struggled to cope with large scale water logging, power cuts and disruption in mobile services.

Apart from the 12 persons who had lost their lives, eleven others, who sustained injuries in rainrelated incidents, were receiving treatment in various hospitals, officials said.

Two helicopters were pressed in for service in rain affected areas while Navy's divers, swimmers and inflatable boats ventured into the operation. Schools and colleges will remain closed in and around Chennai on Wednesday, he added.

Air services that were suspended to and from Chennai airport on Monday, partially resumed on Tuesday.