Chennai/IBNS: Cyclone Michaung, currently swirling over the Bay of Bengal and heading towards the Andhra coast, has unleashed torrential rain upon Tamil Nadu and Puducherry leaving three dead in Chennai.

Heavy rainfall was reported in north coastal Tamil Nadu, encompassing Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Nagapattinam, and Cuddalore districts, with Thiruvallur district bearing the brunt of the downpour.

Chennai police have reported three deaths in rain-related incidents so far. Most parts of the city remain submerged, with heavy inundation in low-lying areas.

According to IMD the cyclonic storm Michuang is to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam close to Bapatla during the forenoon of 5 Dec as a 'severe cyclonic storm'.

As many as 12 relief camps have been set up for the rain-affected victims in Mogaltru and Narasapuram mandals of the West Godavari district as the cyclone is likely to make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam, close to Bapatla on Tuesday.

The Tamil Nadu government has declared a public holiday on Tuesday for all educational institutions, government and private offices, financial institutions and banks in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu districts.

Authorities have set up nearly 5,000 relief centres in coastal districts to assist those affected by the heavy rain that lashed the city and its neighboring districts overnight.

Chief Minister MK Stalin reviewed the safety measures last night and is closely monitoring the situation.

"The state machine is ready to face Cyclone Michaung. Ministers and officials are in the field. The public must adhere to the safety protocols provided. I also request that the public should not come out without essential needs until the impact of the storm subsides," Chief Minister Stalin posted on X.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to Stalin about the impact of the cyclone and assured him of assistance for damages.

The runway at the Chennai airport will remain closed till tomorrow morning.

To aid in relief and rescue efforts, authorities have stationed eight NDRF and nine SDRF teams in the affected districts of Villupuram, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thiruvallur, Cuddalore, and Chengalpattu.

The water discharge from the Chembarambakkam reservoir outside Chennai has been reduced to 1500 cusecs to mitigate the risk of flooding in low-lying areas.