Cyclone Michaung weakened into a deep depression over central coastal Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday, the India Meteorological Department informed.  It made landfall on Tuesday, after which incessant downpours lashed Chennai and adjoining areas. According to the met department, the system is anticipated to lose intensity further, transforming into a Depression within the next six hours and eventually downgrading into a well-marked low-pressure system.

"Cyclonic Storm "MICHAUNG" weakened into a Deep Depression over Central Coastal AP—about 100 km north-northwest of Bapatla and 50 km southeast of Khammam. To weaken further into a Depression in next 06 hours and further into a WML during subsequent 06 hours," read a post on the official IMD handle on social media platform X.

During the process of Michaung losing its grip, it is likely to bring rainfall in several states as it moves further northwards. The weather agency suggested heavy rainfall over north coastal Andhra Pradesh on December 6.

Heavy rainfall is likely in Telangana and isolated heavy rainfall over south Chhattisgarh, south Coastal, and adjoining south Interior Odisha on December 6. The southern districts of Odisha were on alert on Tuesday night as the rainfall intensity is likely to increase.

Meanwhile, the rains and the subsequent flooding from the storm brought Chennai to a standstill, disrupting normal life and resulting in fatalities and property damage. The Greater Chennai police stated that 17 people have been reported dead in various incidents due to floods triggered by the cyclone in the city.

According to the police, as many as 10 incidents of drowning and electrocution have been reported for which medical assistance was rendered.

In Andhra Pradesh, nearly 40 lakh people from 194 villages and two towns were affected by Michaung's impact, including the inundation of 25 villages.
The damaged structures include 78 huts and a cattle shed while 232 houses were marooned. Two kuccha houses were fully damaged.

Following the havoc, the state officials tried their best to respond to distress messages on social media and extend timely and necessary assistance.

(With Agency Inputs)