In recent developments, Cyclone Michaung has made landfall near Bapatla on the Andhra Pradesh coast, wreaking havoc and causing rainfall chaos in Tamil Nadu. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the situation, detailing the impact, government actions, and preventive measures in place.
Landfall Near Bapatla
The cyclone, with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 km per hour, has made landfall, prompting the Andhra Pradesh government to issue alerts for eight districts, including Tirupati, Nellore, and Prakasam.
Storm Surge Alert -Cyclone Michaung
A storm surge of 1-1.5 meters is expected to inundate low-lying areas, with a peak surge forecasted over Bapatla and Krishna districts. The situation is critical, demanding immediate attention and preparedness.
Government Precautions
Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has declared the cyclone a major challenge, directing officials to take measures to avoid loss of life and property. Special officers have been appointed for affected districts, and relief funds have been allocated.
Evacuation and Relief Measures
Efforts are underway to evacuate residents from vulnerable areas, with over 300 relief camps set up for their accommodation. The government has released substantial funds for rescue and relief work, ensuring a swift response to the crisis.
Central Government Support
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured all necessary help from the Centre, with the deployment of National Disaster Response Force personnel and additional teams ready for assistance.
Meteorological Warnings
Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the Director General of the India Meteorological Department, has warned of extremely heavy rainfall along coastal Andhra Pradesh, emphasizing the potential for severe consequences.
Potential Impact on Infrastructure
The cyclonic storm carries the risk of uprooting trees, damaging hutments, mud houses, and causing partial destruction to telephone and electric poles.
Chennai’s Rainfall Situation
While rain has ceased in Chennai, significant portions of the city remain submerged, posing challenges for residents. The weather office predicts light to moderate rainfall in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Airport Operations Resumed
Chennai airport has resumed operations, prioritizing departures to clear stranded passengers. The temporary grounding of planes due to rainwater entering the runway highlights the severity of the weather conditions.
Odisha’s Precautionary Measures
The Odisha government has taken preemptive actions, deploying rescue teams in southern districts. Coastal and southern district collectors are on high alert, and fishermen are advised to avoid venturing into the tough sea conditions.
Rescue Teams on Standby
Various government agencies are on standby, ready to respond to emergencies, and all possible measures are being taken to mitigate the impact of Cyclone Michaung.
Fishermen Advisory – Cyclone Michaung
With challenging sea conditions prevailing, fishermen are strongly advised to stay ashore, prioritizing their safety during this turbulent period.
Cyclone Michaung continues to batter the Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu coasts, the combined efforts of the state and central governments, along with meteorological warnings, evacuation measures, and relief operations, play a crucial role in minimizing the impact on life and property.