Chennai: The severe cyclonic storm, Michaung, is likely to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam. The storm, packing winds of up to 100 kmph, is expected to bring heavy rainfall, storm surges, and widespread power outages to the region. Over 9,500 people have been evacuated in coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh.
“Cyclone Michaung will hit near Bapatla on the Andhra Pradesh coast in the next two hours. The landfall process has already started. The wind speed will be 90-100kmph. Extremely heavy rainfall to continue in AP today. By morning, it will weaken into a Depression,” said Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General, IMD.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has stationed 21 teams in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry, with 8 teams held in reserve. The Coast Guard, Army, and Navy, accompanied by ships and aircraft, are on standby for rescue and relief operations.
Here are the top updates:
- Eight deaths were reported in Chennai due to continuous rainfall.
- Chennai’s Regional Centre said, “Light thunderstorm and lightning with moderate rain are very likely over Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet and Vellore districts of Tamil Nadu. It is also very likely over isolated places in Tirupattur, Thiruvannamalai, Villupuram and Kanyakumari districts of Tamil Nadu.”
- Andhra Pradesh faced moderate to heavy rainfall, resulting in waterlogging and submerging in various areas.
- Chennai, along with other areas in Tamil Nadu, grappled with persistent waterlogging problems following intense rainfall that struck the state on Monday. The state witnessed widespread damage as strong winds toppled numerous trees.
- Chennai’s airfield remained closed until 9 am on Tuesday due to unfavourable weather conditions.
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on Tuesday inspected areas affected by the cyclone, engaged with the public and provided food to those affected by the cyclonic impact.
- Due to heavy waterlogging, subways in Chennai were ordered to shut down, and traffic movement from Manjambakkam to Vadaperumbakkam Road was brought to a halt.
- Indian Railways has set up an emergency control centre at both divisional and headquarters levels, staffed with officers from diverse branches. These branches include operating, commercial, engineering, electrical, signal/telecommunications, and security. This dedicated team works around the clock, ensuring continuous monitoring and swift action in managing train operations, and prioritizing the safety and well-being of passengers during the cyclone.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah held telephonic discussions on Monday with Chief Ministers YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of Andhra Pradesh, MK Stalin of Tamil Nadu, and N Rangasamy of Puducherry. Shah evaluated the situation in these states, deliberated on relief and rescue measures, and underscored the significance of minimizing loss of life and damage due to the approaching cyclone. The home minister assured full support from the central government in managing the cyclonic impact.
- In anticipation of heavy rainfall expected from Cyclone Michaung in the Bay of Bengal, the Collector and District Magistrate’s office in Gajapati has directed the closure of primary, upper primary, high school, and Anganwadi centres on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.