Cyclone Michaung makes landfall in India's Andhra: 17 dead in Chennai; relief operations on

THE death toll from the deluge caused by Cyclone Michaung in the southern Indian city of Chennai went up to 17 on Tuesday (5), according to police sources, the Indian Express reported.

While the city received a respite from incessant downpour, the streets remained flooded, throwing normal life out of gear.

In Andhra Pradesh, another southern coastal state, too, heavy rain was recorded after the cyclone made a landfall there, between Nellore and Kavali near the Bay of Bengal coast.

Thousands of people were removed to safety in affected districts of the state. No casualties were reported in Andhra.

The deaths in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, were mostly caused by drowning, electrocution, collapse of walls and falling trees. Many people were also injured.

The government of Tamil Nadu moved more than 32,000 people to relief camps on Monday (4) and Tuesday. More than 400 relief camps were operational in the state. Food packets were also distributed among people in three affected districts of the state.

The fishing community of the coastal state was particularly hit with 1,200 fishing boats completely damaged by the cyclone. Many others were either partially damaged or missing.

The airport in Chennai witnessed serious flooding, resulting in cancellation of nearly 300 flights. The Southern Railway also cancelled several long-distance trains.

Rescue operation was still underway in various parts of Chennai with boats being deployed to reach out to people with relief aid.

Personnel of the Indian Army and National Disaster Response Force joined the state government teams in relief and rescue operations.

Hindi film actor Aamir Khan was among the many who were trapped in the city on Monday and was rescued by the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services from Karapakkam.

Cyclones are more frequent now in seas adjoining the Indian coastline due to global warming.