A severe cyclone, Cyclone Mandous is creating havoc in Tamil Nadu. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the landfall process of a cyclone was completed around Friday (9th December 2022) at midnight. The storm is expected to weaken into a deep depression and the situation will be under control by Saturday onwards.
Deep Depression (remnant of the cyclonic storm Mandous) weakened into a Depression over north Tamil Nadu. To gradually weaken into a well marked low pressure area during next 12 hours. pic.twitter.com/y1uJ0lIc6z
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) December 10, 2022
Even after the cyclone is weakening its strength, heavy rains continue to fall in the South Indian regions. The most affected areas by heavy rainfall are Tamil Nadu, Rayalaseema and adjoining areas of South Andhra Pradesh. Apart from these areas, moderate to heavy rains are expected in the rest of the Southern part of India.
The Landfall
On Friday Night, between 10:30 to 11:15, the landfall process of Cyclone Mandous began in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu. The cyclone crossed Puducherry and Sriharikota with a wind speed of 75 km per hour around 1:30. This led to heavy rainfall in Chennai and the state record of up to 115.1 mm of rain. The officials mention that wind speed will also decrease from 55-65 kmph to 30-40 kmph. Though the cyclone weakened its strength, three districts in Chennai (Chengalpattu and Kanchipuram and Villupuram) are still on red alert.
Damages Done By Cyclone Mandous
Mandous Cyclone caused widespread damage in parts of Chennai, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Several places in Chennai report waterlogging, uprooted trees and other severe damages. People from all over Chennai complain about the overnight power cuts. The electricity supply is affected severely and is yet to be restored in many parts. V Senthilbalaji, the Electricity Minister informed the public that power restoration work has resumed and will be restored soon.
Apart from this, aviation services are also interrupted due to bad weather conditions. 30 international and domestic flights were cancelled and nearly 21 flights were diverted to other cities. The cyclone-affected regions are also experiencing slow traffic due to waterlogging and restrictions made by authorities.
