Cyclone Mindoos, which originated in Chennai, Bay of Bengal, hit the coast of Tamil Nadu late in the night and caused widespread devastation. Hundreds of trees were uprooted, roofs of houses were blown off and roofs collapsed.
Apart from the power system, railway and air services were also affected. Heavy rains with strong winds in Pattinapakkam area of Chennai as landfall process of cyclone #Mandous.
Cities including Chennai are experiencing waterlogging amid heavy rains. According to the Meteorological Department, Cyclone Mindoos hit the Tamil Nadu coast at 11.30 pm with a speed of 75 kmph and reached Mahabalipuram at 1.30 pm.
Cyclone Mindoos, which hit the coast of Tamil Nadu late in the night, has eased off after causing widespread devastation. The storm intensified into a deep depression and weakened completely this afternoon. However, there has been widespread rain in many cities and districts under its influence.
The Meteorological Department said that the cyclone struck with wind speed of 75 kmph and then slowed down to 55 to 65 kmph as it moved towards northwest. By evening it is likely to decrease further to 30 to 40 kmph.
Roofs of houses were blown off and strained. A survey of the desolation has been started. 16 flights at Chennai airport were canceled under the impact of the storm. According to the Meteorological Department, 12 districts of Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry and Andhra Pradesh were affected by the storm.
NDRF teams have been deployed in relief operations in Tamil Nadu and around 5000 relief centers have already been opened. 1058 families were relocated in Chengalpattu. The roof of a fuel station in Chennai also collapsed and a tree fell.
Wud u rather have enga singara chennai? #Mandous #madras pic.twitter.com/hgN2XOueEN
— Kasthuri Shankar (@KasthuriShankar) December 9, 2022
However, no casualties were reported. A holiday has been declared in schools and colleges in 16 districts including Chennai, Cuddalore and examinations have also been postponed.
Vehicular traffic was also stopped on the highway connecting Chennai and Mahabalipuram. Apart from Tamil Nadu, some parts of Andhra Pradesh were also affected by the cyclone. Apart from this, some parts of Pondicherry were also extensively damaged.
Meteorological department sources said that the cyclone was earlier considered to be in the very dangerous category with wind speed of 89 to 117 kmph. But then it moderated with wind speed of 62 to 88 km/h reported.
