CHENNAI: Visuals of Cyclone Mandous that have wreaked havoc in Chennai and parts of Tamil Nadu since December 8th have been circulating on social media. The cyclone crossed the state on Saturday after landfall, said IMD. “The cyclonic storm Mandous weakened into a deep depression over the north Tamil Nadu coast and will gradually weaken into a depression as it moves west-northwestwards by noon on Saturday, as per the IMD. Reportedly, the system will continue to produce light to moderate amounts of rain in the majority of locations and heavy to very heavy showers (64.5 mm-204 mm) in a few isolated locations for the next 24 hours across north Tamil Nadu, Rayalaseema, and adjacent south Andhra Pradesh.
Amongst those damaged included the newly inaugurated ramp at Marina Beach. A portion of the ramp that was inaugurated recently to help the disabled was damaged tremendously, said authorities. Several areas in Chennai saw waterlogging and squally winds uprooting trees in the state capital and the nearby Chengalpattu district. Roads in the MMDA Colony in Arumbakkam were submerged.
Meanwhile, state authorities have been engaged in assessing the damage caused by the storm. CM Stalin has been distributing the flood relief material as officials assess the damage. So far 4 people have lost their lives and over 150 huts and houses have been destroyed and 400 trees uploaded. “We’ll first assess the damages incurred and if the need arises, we will ask the Central Government for funds,” he said.
The storm made landfall off Mamallapura around Friday midnight accompanied by strong winds and heavy rainfall across the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu. An advisory that read- “Almost 65 trees have fallen down in 3 hours and GCC is taking measures to remove them. Motor pumps are being used to remove water stagnation in low-lying saucer-shaped areas,” was issued by Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) storm made landfall.