Cyclone Michaung triggers chaos in Chennai; Crocodile sighted on road, video

CHENNAI: Chennai is on high alert following Cyclone Mishaung causing severe disruptions in the city. Heavy rains and flooding have impacted daily life. Video footage of a large crocodile near Vellore Institute of Technology is going viral in social media. It is believed to have been swept ashore by the overflowing Nedunkuntram river.

The alarming video shows the crocodile concealed in roadside bushes as vehicles pass by urging authorities to issue strict warnings against approaching water bodies. The city is reeling from the cyclone's effects, with reports of casualties after a wall collapse on Chennai ECR Road leading to tragic fatalities.

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Air travel has been severely affected, with 20 flights departing from Chennai cancelled, 23 arrivals delayed and some flights redirected to Bengaluru due to adverse weather conditions. The closure of Chennai airport further compounds the situation.

Widespread power outages have added to the turmoil, leaving numerous areas without electricity. The Met Department forecasts continuous heavy rainfall till evening, prompting the declaration of public holidays in six districts including Chennai affecting both public and private institutions.

Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced the readiness of National and State Disaster Response Forces, enforcing a red alert across most areas, urging citizens to refrain from unnecessary outings. The cyclone, initially formed in the Bay of Bengal, is anticipated to make landfall between Nellore and Machlipatnam in Andhra Pradesh tomorrow morning.

Precautionary measures are in place, with a ban on fishing along Tamil Nadu's coast. Regions like Chengalpet, Kancheepuram, Chennai and Thiruvallur brace for wind speeds of 60-70 km per hour, while Villupuram and Gudallur also expect strong gusts.

Tragic incidents continue to unfold, such as the building collapse near Guru Nanak College trapping ten employees. Moreover, heavy rain has led to the cancellation of 118 trains including those bound for Kerala compounding the transportation crisis caused by the cyclone.