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by Luca Micheli

Preparations and impact

As the storm approached the east coast of India, India's meteorological department issued a red alert for the region. In Tamil Nadu, over 500 personnel of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Tamil Nadu Disaster Response Force (TNDRF) was deployed.[12][13] 121 multi-purpose centers and 4,967 relief centers were set-up in the eight coastal districts of Tamil Nadu to help in the aftermath of the cyclone.[14] In Andhra Pradesh, 181 relief camps were set up across the eight districts, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and AP State Disaster Response Force (APSDRF) deploying five teams each to assist in the affected areas.[15][16] Southern districts of Odisha were also to receive heavy rainfall due to the cyclone, and the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force were deployed to assist local authorities.[17]

Heavy rain and strong winds battered the coastal areas.[18] Persistent rains caused widespread flooding and inundation in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu.[19] Rivers including Cooum and major lakes overflowed in Chennai causing further water logging in the low lying areas along the banks.[20] At least 17 people were killed, and more than 41,000 people were evacuated and temporarily relocated, including 32,158 in Tamil Nadu and 9,500 in Andhra Pradesh.[21][22] Power supply was cut off by the government in flooded areas in Chennai as a preventive measure to avert electrocution.[23]

Chennai International Airport closed its operations on December 4 due to flooding in the apron and runways, with flights being diverted or cancelled and operations resuming the next day.[24] Schools and offices were closed due to heavy rains and flooding.[25] Southern Railways and East Coast Railways re-directed and cancelled several trains.[26] Several businesses and industries in Chennai were impacted adversely as operations were ceased due to power shortages, flooding and damage to equipment.[27] In Andhra Pradesh, crop damage and losses were reported due to the flooding of fields.[28] There was also a shortage of essential commodities including milk which was exacerbated by panic buying.[29]