New Delhi/Chennai: Cyclone Michaung, currently swirling over the Bay of Bengal, is poised to make a forceful landfall near Bapatla along the Andhra Pradesh coast, leaving a trail of destruction in Tamil Nadu. With at least eight reported deaths in rain-related incidents in Chennai, the impending cyclone raises concerns of intensified havoc as it approaches the coastline.
Here are the latest updates on Cyclone Michaung:
1. Landfall Predictions and Impact
A storm surge of 1-1.5 meters is expected to inundate the low-lying areas of south coastal Andhra Pradesh, particularly the Bapatla and Krishna districts. The cyclone is anticipated to hit as a severe cyclonic storm, packing sustained wind speeds of 90-100 km per hour, with gusts potentially reaching 110 km per hour.
2. State Preparations and Warnings
The Andhra Pradesh government has issued alerts for eight districts, including Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema, and Kakinada. In Puducherry, Section 144 has been imposed along coastal regions, restricting movement until 6 pm.
3. Safety Measures and Evacuations
Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has directed officials to treat the storm as a grave challenge, anticipating gales up to 110 kilometers per hour. Special officers have been assigned to cyclone-affected districts, with Rs 2 crore allocated for rescue and relief efforts. Over 300 relief camps have been established to accommodate evacuees from vulnerable areas.
4. Central Government Assistance
Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured support to the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry. The National Disaster Response Force has been deployed, with additional teams on standby for further assistance.
5. Weather Warnings and Potential Damage
The Director General of the India Meteorological Department cautioned about the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall, ranging from 30-40 cm, in cities and towns along the coastal belt of Andhra Pradesh. The severe cyclonic storm poses threats of uprooting trees, damaging infrastructure, and causing disruptions to daily life.
6. Chennai’s Current Situation
Though rainfall has ceased in Chennai, large parts of the city remain submerged, especially in low-lying areas. Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are expected to experience light to moderate rainfall throughout the day.
7. Chennai Airport Resumes Operations
Chennai airport resumed operations after being grounded due to rainwater flooding the runway. Priority is being given to departing flights to clear the backlog of stranded passengers.
8. Precautionary Measures in Odisha
The Odisha government has deployed rescue teams in southern districts as a precautionary measure. Coastal and southern district collectors are on high alert, cautioning fishermen against venturing into the tough sea conditions.
As Cyclone Michaung inches closer to landfall, coastal regions remain on high alert, emphasizing safety measures and preparedness to mitigate potential damage and ensure the well-being of residents in vulnerable areas.
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