Heavy rains accompanied by powerful winds caused by a severe cyclonic storm have battered India's southern coast, resulting in several casualties and widespread damage. The states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have undertaken the evacuation of thousands of people residing in low-lying areas.

The city of Chennai has been severely affected, with numerous residential areas flooded, vehicles swept away, and trees uprooted. The Chennai airport, one of India's busiest, suspended its operations on Monday due to the extreme weather conditions.

Authorities in Chennai have reported six fatalities, attributed to falling structures and electrocution. In the city of Chengalpattu, two individuals lost their lives after a wall collapsed as a result of heavy rainfall, according to Reuters.

Cyclone Michaung is expected to make landfall on Tuesday morning, between Nellore and Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh, with wind speeds reaching up to 110km/h (68mph). Meteorological officials have issued a red alert for parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. As a precautionary measure, schools, colleges, and banks remained closed on Monday and will continue to be closed on Tuesday in at least four districts.

The impact of the cyclone is felt beyond Chennai, as factories in the city, including iPhone production facilities, have closed down, as reported by Reuters. About 7,000 individuals have already been evacuated from the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, and an additional 21,000 people may be forced to evacuate depending on the severity of the cyclone.

The Indian Meteorological Department has warned of serious damage to housing in the affected area, urging people in southern Andhra Pradesh, northern Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry to stay indoors. Fishermen in several coastal areas have also been advised against venturing out to sea. Additionally, a wind warning has been issued for parts of the Bay of Bengal.

Over the past 24 hours, heavy rainfall has pounded north Tamil Nadu, Rayalaseema, and Andhra Pradesh, with ongoing rain and wind warnings in place for these regions, as well as for Telangana and Odisha. Parts of Andhra Pradesh are predicted to receive more than 20cm (8in) of rain within the next 24 hours, while some areas in Chennai have already experienced up to 25cm of rainfall in the past day.

In addition to the cyclonic storm, a warning for dense fog has been issued for Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, West Uttar Pradesh, and East Rajasthan.

Despite being major polluters, India and China have made arguments that they have vulnerable populations that require assistance during such crises.

The worst of the cyclonic weather is expected to subside by Wednesday morning, providing some respite for the affected regions.