Cyclone Michaung wreaks havoc

Good morning, Chennai!

🌧️ Today’s weather: Heavy rains are forecast for today.

🧐 Did you know? Royapuram was an obscure village up until 1853 when the Madras Railway Company decided to build its terminus here. Till the 1870s, it was the principal station for Madras.

🌧️ Cyclone Michaung makes landfall

(Image credit: Srini Swaminathan’s X post)

As Cyclone Michaung made landfall, Chennai was battered with heavy rains leading to widespread waterlogging.

What happened? Amidst heavy rains due to Cyclone Michaung, the city received heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds. Several low-lying areas witnessed severe waterlogging as Corporation officials tended to residents’ needs.

16,000 corporation workers were deployed overnight for relief activities. In places like Kolathur, 27 low-lying areas faced waterlogging. Officials urged residents of villages to head to relief centres.
The Corporation also removed a portion of the ramp at Marina Beach meant for persons with disabilities as a temporary measure. It will be reinstalled in a few days. People were also advised to stay away from canals and beaches.

Overseeing operations: The state government appointed an IAS officer for each of the 15 zones in the Chennai Corporation and one monitoring officer each for the Tambaram and Avadi corporations.

🛺 Auto fares increase

As the city dealt with heavy rains, auto drivers overcharged.

What’s it about? For many, commuting by auto is the best means of transportation, including as a last-mile connectivity option. While overcharging by auto drivers is common, fares are higher during the rains.

Auto drivers have little means of earning money during heavy rains and many are forced to increase fares even for short distances. Fares that are usually ₹50 can cost up to ₹150.
In the absence of Ola and Uber drivers who usually cancel rides, they get the full amount as cancellation charges. If they do accept, 20-30% of the fare goes to the company.

🕳️ Unfixed potholes

(Image credit: Alisha Abdullah’s X post)

With heavy rains affecting roads, hundreds of potholes across the city remain unfixed.

What’s it about? As heavy rains lashed the city over the past week and cyclone Michaung causing havoc for commuters, potholes have once again come up on Chennai’s roads.

People were forced to ride through potholed-riddled roads in Anna Nagar, Mylapore, Kodambakkam, and Royapettah. The Chennai Corporation identified over 5,000 roads with potholes.
The highest number was in the Kodambakkam zone with 1,320 followed by Ambattur with 728 and 623 in Royapuram.

What was done? Despite officials relaying some roads, they deteriorated due to the heavy rains. One official said the Chennai Corporation will install danger signs for residents.

🎭 Spiked autorickshaw

(Image credit: Steve Messam’s Facebook post)

As part of the Madras Art Weekend, artists unveiled a unique art piece involving an auto.

What’s it about? Autos are part and parcel of everyday Chennai life. UK-based artist Steve Messam decided to do something different with one. His new “Auto” art installation includes giant inflatable purple spikes.

The concept was to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary and to inspire school kids to rethink everyday objects. The installation is on display at the Shiv Nadar School.
The spikes were made by tailors in Chennai and Steve did the interior in the UK. The installation will be permanent and was commissioned by the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art in New Delhi.

What does it signify? The Auto installation is an attempt to encapsulate the iconic colour and image of the city since it’s not just about the auto.

📊 Today’s Poll

(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)

Have you ever used the Chennai Corporation’s emergency number?

I have used the Chennai Corporation’s emergency number.
I haven’t used the Chennai Corporation’s emergency number.

❓ Today’s Question

(Only subscribers can submit their answers)

How did you prepare for the heavy rains in the city?

Reply to this email with your answers.

🗞️ In other news…

Perungalathur flyover work delays have increased the cost of construction to ₹200 crore.
Overnight rains resulted in the IT OMR hub being flooded once again.
The Water Resources Department, due to the heavy downpour, continued to discharge surplus water from reservoirs.
Christmas pantomime returns to the city with the theme of space.
Chennai airport shut down for the day due to heavy rains for the first time since 2015.

🛋️ Local Lounge

Yesterday’s Poll:

My street/neighbourhood has a lot of stray dogs: 80.0% 🏆
My street/neighbourhood doesn’t have a lot of stray dogs: 20.0%

Answers to Yesterday’s Question:

What is your favourite type of tea?

Suchi: “Masala tea”

Nirja: “Lemon tea”

That’s it for today. Have a great day!

Cyclone Michaung wreaks havocC