Cyclone Michaung: Maruti Suzuki reaches out to customers in affected areas of Chennai, Andhra Pradesh

More than a dozen people have lost their lives due to Michaung with the cyclone leaving a trail of destruction in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

In the wake of the devastating cyclone Michaung, Maruti Suzuki India has taken proactive and comprehensive measures to support its customers in the cyclone-stricken areas of Chennai and Andhra Pradesh. Understanding the urgency of the situation, the country's largest carmaker acted swiftly by sending out a massive number of SMS alerts -- 700,000 in total -- to inform customers of essential precautionary steps to protect their vehicles from the natural disaster.

Following the cyclone's impact, Maruti Suzuki's commitment to restoring normalcy for its customers is evident through its extensive collaborative efforts with dealer partners and strategic actions at its workshops. The company has meticulously identified and designated area-specific service managers to provide personalised assistance to those affected, ensuring that help is just a call away.

To address the immediate needs of stranded customers and vehicles, Maruti Suzuki has deployed a significant fleet of 46 tow trucks from nearby cities, complemented by 34 Maruti road-side assistance vehicles, all on standby to deliver rapid aid. This robust response capability is further bolstered by an increased inventory of spare parts, guaranteeing their ready availability for repairs without delay.

Recognising the importance of skilled manpower in such critical times, Maruti Suzuki has assembled a team of trained professionals from service workshops in adjacent cities, poised for quick intervention and service resolution. Additionally, the company has forged partnerships with insurance firms to streamline the claim processing and settlement procedures, thereby expediting financial relief for its customers.

To ensure uninterrupted mobility for customers whose vehicles are undergoing repairs, the company has thoughtfully provided loaner cars. In a move to cover all bases, it has also established alliances with cab service providers, offering alternative transportation solutions to maintain the continuity of daily life amidst recovery efforts.

Cyclone Michaung, which recently made landfall on India's east coast, has significantly weakened into a depression over central coastal Andhra Pradesh. The storm's arrival was marked by substantial damage, with 770 kilometres of roads being damaged, 35 trees uprooted, and the unfortunate loss of three livestock. The aftermath of Michaung's wrath has been felt by nearly 40 lakh people residing in 194 villages and two towns, as reported by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's Office. The cyclone's severe impact led to the flooding of 25 villages.

The city of Chennai, in particular, faced tragic outcomes due to the cyclone-induced weather conditions. At least 12 individuals succumbed to rain-related incidents as the city battled the effects of Michaung. The loss of lives and the extensive damage to infrastructure highlight the severity of the cyclonic storm and its far-reaching implications on the affected regions.

Published By:
Varun Singh
Published On:
Dec 6, 2023