Heavy rains leave several dead before storm Michaung makes landfall in India

People were evacuated from flooded areas following heavy rains along the Bay of Bengal coast in Chennai (AP)

Twelve people have died in the downpour before Tropical Storm Michaung made landfall along India’s south-east coast, bringing further torrential rains and strong winds, officials said.

The storm hit Andhra Pradesh state with maximum sustained winds of 56-62mph and gusts up to 68mph, the Indian Meteorological Department said, adding that the storm would weaken over the next few hours.