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Chennai/Cyclone Michaung: In response to the looming threat of Cyclone Michaung, the M. K. Stalin-led Tamil Nadu government has declared a public holiday in four districts, namely, Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu. This decision was announced to strengthen safety measures and facilitate necessary precautions against anticipated heavy rainfall and storm conditions.
Scheduled for Tuesday, December 5, 2023, this preemptive measure, mandated under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, focus to prioritize public safety and preparedness. The institutions affected by the precautionary closure include all schools, colleges, government offices, public undertakings, corporations, boards, banks and financial institutions in these four districts.
In anticipation of the cyclone, Chief Minister MK Stalin was deployed at the cyclone control room in Chennai to monitor the preparations. The government’s proactive approach extended to the closure of all government offices, public undertakings, corporations, boards, banks and financial institutions in the affected districts. The move also includes urging private companies to enable work from home facilities for their employees.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red alert for Tamil Nadu, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall on December 4 and 5 in north-coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Light to moderate rainfall at most places and heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places, with extremely heavy falls at isolated places over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam is expected on December 4 and 5.
04-12-2023 2:30 PM #cyclonemichaung 90kms from Chennai. Intensified into Severe Cyclonic storm. To move parallel to South Andhra Coast pic.twitter.com/ju8czVHj46
— Tamilnadu Weather-IMD (@ChennaiRmc) December 4, 2023
The cyclone has already shown its strength, causing serious disruption in the form of waterlogging, power cuts and disruption of various public services. Majorly, due to heavy rains and waterlogging, Chennai airport operations were suspended for two hours and suburban train services in Chennai were temporarily halted. These incidents underline the disruptive potential that Cyclone Michaung brings with it.
While the public holidays and closure of non-essential services exhibited the government’s commitment to public safety, essential services such as police, fire service, medical facilities, power supply and transport remain operational. The Tamil Nadu Government has asked people to take precautionary measures as the Indian Meteorological Department has sounded a Red alert in the state. Additionally, the Indian Army has been tasked for rescue operations in the severe areas.
As Cyclone Michaung approaches, officials and citizens must prioritize safety, preparedness, and resilience. Joint efforts of government agencies, emergency response teams and the public will be critical in addressing the immediate and long-term impacts of the cyclone, ensuring a coordinated and effective response to mitigate its impact.
