Michaung Cyclone: Impact of Michaung is also visible in Tamil Nadu, government closed schools and colleges in four districts

The Tamil Nadu government has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram and Chengalpattu on Thursday due to severe flooding in several parts of these districts following Cyclone Michong. Schools and colleges in six taluks - Pallavaram, Tambaram, Vandalur, Thiruporur, Chengalpattu and Thirukazhukundram - will remain closed on Thursday.

Schools and colleges in Kundrathur and Sriperumbudur blocks of Kanchipuram will also remain closed. However, schools and colleges in Walazabad and Uthiramerur will function as usual.

Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to reach Tamil Nadu on Thursday to assess the ongoing flood situation in the wake of cyclone 'Maichong'.

Singh will also be joined by state Finance Minister and Chief Secretary Thangam Thennarasu during the aerial survey of flood-affected areas. Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan will also accompany the Defense Minister during his aerial survey.

After his aerial visit, the Defense Minister will hold a meeting with Chief Minister MK Stalin and review the relief work being carried out by various agencies in the state.

Earlier, on Wednesday, CM Stalin took stock of the areas affected due to Cyclone Michong and distributed essential items like food and milk to the people affected by the rain in Chennai.

Chennai suburbs still inundated with flood water, MK Stalin posted from his official handle on Twitter. Many people are working in the field to ensure that everyone gets essential items like food and milk. We are continuing our fieldwork with the hope that the situation will improve soon!

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of those who have lost their loved ones in Cyclone Michong.

"My condolences are with the families who have lost their loved ones due to Cyclone Michong," PM Modi posted on Twitter. My prayers are with the injured and affected people in the wake of this cyclone. Officials are working tirelessly on the ground to assist the affected people and will continue their work until the situation becomes completely normal.

Due to the Michong cyclone, it has been raining in some districts of Odisha since Wednesday morning. There is a possibility of heavy rain, especially in Malkangiri, Koraput and Rayagada of South Odisha, hence orange alert has been issued in these three districts.

Cyclone Michong has wreaked havoc in Tamil Nadu and Odisha. The storm caused widespread damage to property and infrastructure, destroying thousands of acres of crops and damaging hundreds of houses.

52 rehabilitation centres have been set up in the affected Anakapalle district and arrangements have been made to accommodate more than 60,000 people. The Meteorological Department says that by late Tuesday night, the speed of the storm had reduced to 65-75 kilometres per hour. 140 trains and 40 flights were cancelled on Tuesday due to Cyclone Michong in Andhra Pradesh.