Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Tamil Nadu on Thursday to assess the damage inflicted by Cyclone Michaung. The minister, accompanied by Thangam Thennarasu, the finance minister of Tamil Nadu, and the chief secretary, plans to conduct an aerial survey of the areas affected by flooding.
Underlining the collaborative approach between the central and state governments, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr L. Murugan, will join the defence minister during the visit.
After the aerial inspection, Singh is scheduled to meet with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin to evaluate the ongoing relief efforts conducted by various agencies. This visit gains significance as Southern Railways had to cancel 15 train services due to heavy rainfall and waterlogging, including the Chennai Egmore-Tirunelveli Vande Bharat Special.
Diversion, cancellation , short termination and change in origin of train services passengers are requested to take note on this and plan your travel#SouthernRailway #ChennaiRains #ChennaiFloods #CycloneMichuang #Chennai pic.twitter.com/GcZBHF7wIi
— Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) December 7, 2023
The relentless rains in Chennai have raised the death toll to 17 in rain-related incidents. Residents in the coastal metropolis and its suburbs are grappling with stagnant water and power disruptions, leading to an additional holiday for schools and colleges on December 7. A comprehensive survey is currently underway to assess the overall damage caused by the unprecedented rains triggered by Cyclone Michaung.
In a letter, CM Stalin has highlighted severe damages in northern districts, including Chennai, Chengalpet, Tiruvallur, and Kancheepuram. The Corporation of Chennai has witnessed significant infrastructure damage, with roads, bridges, and public buildings severely affected. Stalin has urged the central government to dispatch a team for a detailed assessment of the damage.