Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], December 6: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking an immediate interim relief fund of Rs 5060 crores to address the destruction caused by Cyclone Michaung in the state. CM Stalin has also requested for a central team to be sent to assess the damages caused by the cyclone. The letter will be handed over to PM Modi by DMK MP TR Baalu in Delhi.
In the wake of the calamity, CM Stalin personally inspected the areas affected by the cyclone on Wednesday morning. He expressed his gratitude to the government machinery, including ministers, officials, police, sanitation workers, and corporation workers, who have been tirelessly working to mitigate the effects of Cyclone Michaung.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has informed that Cyclone Michaung has weakened into a deep depression over central coastal Andhra Pradesh. The cyclonic storm is around 100 km north-northwest of Bapatla and 50 km southeast of Khammam. The IMD predicts further weakening into a depression in the next six hours and subsequently into a Well Marked Low-Pressure Area.
The relentless heavy rains triggered by Cyclone Michaung have led to flooding in Chennai, with 17 reported deaths so far. Officials stated that the Greater Chennai police received reports of drowning and electrocution incidents, for which medical assistance was provided. Flood warning announcements were also made along the Adyar River bank in coordination with the Greater Chennai Corporation, urging residents of low-lying areas to take necessary precautions.
Efforts are being made by state officials to respond promptly to distress messages on social media and provide timely assistance. In a bid to drain rainwater from the city, the Coimbatore Corporation in Tamil Nadu has dispatched twelve 41-HP motors to Chennai for flood relief operations.
As the state grapples with the aftermath of Cyclone Michaung, CM Stalin’s appeal for an interim relief fund aims to accelerate the recovery process and provide much-needed assistance to affected communities. The central team’s assessment will also help in formulating comprehensive relief measures. The untiring efforts of the government machinery, along with the support of local citizens, are crucial in mitigating the impact of the cyclone and restoring normalcy.
