WATCH: Chennai rain turns city roads to river, downpour continues ahead of cyclone Michaung landfall

Chennai and most parts of Tamil Nadu have been witnessing incessant rainfall and strong winds as cyclone Michaung approaches closer to make landfall in Andhra Pradesh.As many as nine people have died due to intense rainfall in Tamil Nadu that has submerged most parts of the state, destroying infrastructure and marooning hundreds.Multiple roads and subways are closed in Chennai due to waterlogging in the wake of the Severe Cyclonic Storm 'Michaung' that is expected to make landfall on the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh between Nellore and Machilipatnam on Tuesday.Roads turn into riversChennai roads are submerged in water and people across Tamil Nadu have been asked to avoid stepping out of homes unless necessary.Source: X/@NagarJitendraTamil Nadu has declared a public holiday in four districts. Meanwhile, eight districts of Andhra Pradesh are also on an alert.Chennai has received the highest amount of rainfall since the rains, followed by floods in 2015. As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), between December 3 and December 4, most parts of the capital city of Tamil Nadu received more than 20 cm of rainfall.Source: X/@jsuryareddyWith relentless downpours continuing to wreak havoc in Chennai, rainwater has entered in houses and has left streets inundated.'Damages less compared to previous times'Addressing a press conference in the wake of the heavy rains brought on by cyclone Michaung, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin commended the state's infrastructure resilience.The Chief Minister noted that the damages incurred during the ongoing rains in Chennai were significantly less compared to previous instances."Even after receiving heavy rains, the damages are less compared to previous times. The rains received during Cyclone Michaung exceeded the rain we received in 2015. In 2015, the floods were manmade due to the release of water from Chembarambakkam Lake but now it is a natural flood. Chennai escaped because of our Storm water drain projects," Stalin said.The Tamil Nadu CM also inspected the cyclone-affected areas in the state. There have been 162 rain relief camps set up of which 43 are operated accommodating 2,477 Chennai residents. There are 20 kitchens operational providing food to these relief centres.Train services cancelledDue to rain and waterlogging on tracks, Southern Railway has cancelled as well as diverted several trains.Schools, colleges closed in ChennaiThe Tamil Nadu government has declared holiday for Tuesday and Wednesday for schools and colleges in four districts - Chennai, Kancheepuram, Thieuvallur and Chengalpet.Stalin seeks central aidCM Stalin has sought Rs 5,000 crore central aid to carry out cyclone Michaung relief and rescue works.Source: X/@sugan_visaganAndhra Pradesh braces for worseWith cyclone Michaung expected to make landfall close to Bapatla on the south Andhra Pradesh coast, about 9,450 people were evacuated to safety.Earlier in the day, the IMD warned that Cyclone ‘Michaung’ may intensify into a severe cyclonic storm on Tuesday in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.