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As Chennai grappled with the aftermath of Cyclone Michaung, the Indian Air Force continued relief operations in the city until sunset on December 6. During the operations, IAF dropped a total of 2,300 kg of relief material in the flood-affected areas.
The IAF was working in liaison with the Tamil Nadu Government while the relief materials were being provided by various agencies in the State.
In the early hours of December 6, four Chetak helicopters of the IAF carried out air drops in South Chennai from Medavakkam to Puzhudivakkam metro station, covering 8 locations, and in North Chennai from Manali Petro Chemicals through the inner ring road. They dropped Manali fertilisers to Nappalayam at 8 locations.
Later in the afternoon, the Chetak helicopters of Flying Instructors’ School from AFS Tambaram delivered relief supplies in the West Tambaram, Mudichur, Velachery and Pallikaranai areas of Chennai.
Rescue efforts were also undertaken by the Indian Navy in Chennai’s Pallikaranai and Thoraipakkam areas as the city reeled under the effects of Cyclone Michuang.
Daily consumables such as milk, water, bread, biscuits, and groceries were selling at higher rates, claimed locals, who were based at Choolaimedu in Chennai.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to arrive in Tamil Nadu on December 7 to assess the prevailing flood situation in the wake of Cyclone ‘Michaung’.
Rajnath Singh will be accompanied by Thangam Thennarasu, the State Finance Minister and chief secretary, during his aerial survey of the flood-affected areas.
Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L Murugan, will also accompany the Defence Minister during his aerial survey. After his aerial visit, the Defence Minister will hold a meeting with Chief Minister MK Stalin and review the relief work being carried out by various agencies in the State.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of those who have lost their loved ones to Cyclone Michaung. “My thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Michaung. My prayers are with those injured or affected in the wake of this cyclone. Authorities have been working tirelessly on the ground to assist those affected and will continue their work till the situation fully normalises,” PM Modi posted on X.
Earlier, on December 6, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin surveyed the areas affected by Cyclone Michaung and distributed necessities such as milk and other items to the flood-hit in Chennai.
“The floodwaters in Chennai’s suburbs are still inundated. Many people are working in the field to ensure that everyone gets necessities like food and milk. We are continuing our fieldwork with the hope that the situation will improve soon,” CM Stalin posted from his X handle.
“After 40 years, Chennai has suffered such a huge loss due to Cyclone Michaung. People are experiencing plenty of hardships. I request the Union Government to urgently provide the necessary assistance and funds to help the affected people. I am also not satisfied with the State Government’s response to the prevailing situation, as they should have made better efforts to save lives and extend relief to marooned locals,” AIADMK MP P Ravindhranath told the media.
Ravindhranath claimed that the DMK Government was late to respond to the crisis and mounted relief operations only on December 5.
Schools and colleges closed in four TN districts today
The Tamil Nadu Government announced a holiday for all schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu on December 7 due to severe flooding in several parts of these districts in the aftermath of Cyclone Michaung.
Schools and colleges in six taluks — Pallavaram, Tambaram, Vandalur, Thiruporur, Chengalpattu, and Thirukazhukundram — will remain closed on December 7.
Schools and colleges in the Kundrathur and Sriperumbudur blocks of Kancheepuram will also remain closed. However, schools and colleges in Walajabad and Utiramerur will function as usual.
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