Cyclone Michaung wreaked havoc in Chennai, leaving several residents stranded, including Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, southern actor Vishnu Vishal, and badminton player Jwala Gutta. The trio was rescued from Vishnu Vishal's residence on Tuesday (December 5) after it started getting flooded due to heavy rainfall during the cyclone.
Vishnu Vishal took to social media to seek help as his house in Karapakkam faced rising water levels. The fire and rescue department swiftly responded to the distress call, deploying boats for the rescue operation. Aamir Khan, who had shifted base to Chennai in October to be close to his ailing mother, was among those rescued.
Expressing gratitude on social media, Vishnu Vishal shared pictures of the rescue operation and praised the efforts of the fire and rescue department. He wrote, "Thanks to the fire and rescue department for helping people like us who are stranded. Rescue operations have started in Karapakkam. Saw 3 boats functioning already. Great work by TN govt in such testing times. Thanks to all the administrative people who are working relentlessly."
The severe storm caused widespread damage in Chennai, bringing the city to a standstill for two days. Vishnu Vishal's earlier plea for help on social media described the dire situation, stating, "Water is entering my house, and the level is rising badly in Karapakkam. I have called for help. No electricity, no wifi, no phone signal. Nothing. Only on the terrace at a particular point, I get some signal. Let's hope I and so many here get some help. I can feel for people all over Chennai."
Tamil Nadu Minister of Industries, Dr T.R.B. Rajaa, took to social media to praise Aamir Khan for his patience during the rescue operations. He commended the actor for not attempting to leverage his celebrity status for preferential treatment.
The minister wrote, "Astounding that he didn't try to pull any strings to be rescued! Awesome to see him being so grounded and WAITING HIS TURN to be rescued just like any of our fellow citizens. Lessons for those who try to pull strings and drop names!"
Aamir Khan had shifted his base to Chennai in October to be with his mother, Zeenat Hussain, who was receiving medical treatment in the city. Sources close to the actor revealed that he had planned to stay at a hotel close to his mother's treatment centre to be readily available whenever needed.
(Edited by : Shoma Bhattacharjee)
