Severe weather: Cyclone reaches mainland India

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storm
Cyclone hits mainland India

People wade through a flooded road after heavy rains on the Bay of Bengal coast. photo

© Uncredited/AP

India regularly experiences storms that bring flooding, destruction and power outages. Experts say the likelihood of strong storms is increasing worldwide due to climate change.

Cyclone “Michaung” has reached mainland India with high wind speeds and heavy rainfall. At least twelve people died in accidents related to the rainfall in and around the metropolis of Chennai, as the Indian news agency PTI reported on Tuesday, citing local authorities. Thousands of people in coastal areas had previously been taken to temporary accommodation for safety.

All the water turned some streets into rivers, washing away vehicles, TV images showed. During the rescue work, the helpers used boats and tractors, among other things. The storm is expected to weaken by Wednesday, the Indian Meteorological Department said. Schools remained closed in some places on Tuesday and fishermen were not supposed to go to sea. In addition, a number of flights and trains were canceled in the affected areas.

dpa

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