Cyclone Michaung updates: 10 trapped as Chennai building caves in, rescue underway

An under-construction building and a road near Velachery area in Chennai caved in on Monday following incessant rains triggered by Cyclone Michaung. At least 10 people are suspected to be trapped inside the building, The News Minute reported, adding that rescue operations are underway.

In a related incident, two people were killed and one seriously injured after a newly-constructed wall collapsed in Kanathur area of the city on the East Coast Road, the publication reported. The deceased have been identified as residents of Jharkhand, and further investigation is underway, the police said.

Heavy rains continued to pound Chennai and nearby districts on Monday under the impact Cyclone Michaung, which is likely to cross the coast in Andhra Pradesh on December 5. Low-lying areas and many residential parts are flooded, even as civic agency personnel attempted to clear the stagnant water.

Several areas in the city saw power outages and internet disruption as torrential rains accompanied by high-speed winds continued to lash the region. The flooding has resulted in the closure of 14 subways in Chennai, the city police said.

Rail and air services suffered cancellations and delays. "In view of water flowing above danger level, the bridge no.14 between Basin bridge and Vyasarpadi has been suspended on account of safety reasons," and six trains originating from the Dr MGR Chennai Central to destinations including Coimbatore and Mysuru were cancelled on Monday morning, the Southern Railway said, adding that passengers would receive full refunds.