Advertisement
Chennai: The Meteorological Department has issued an alert regarding the advance of cyclonic storm Michaung in the Bay of Bengal. IMD said Cyclone Michaung is moving west-northwestwards at a speed of 9 kmph in the past six hours, due to this there may be heavy rains and strong winds in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry. Following the alert of the Meteorological Department, all schools in Puducherry, Karaikal and Yanam will remain closed on December 4 in view of the cyclonic storm.
According to IMD, the low pressure area in the Bay of Bengal has turned into a depression and is likely to turn into a cyclonic storm. The cyclone is headed to cross the coast between Machilipatnam and Chennai in Andhra Pradesh on the evening of 4 December.
The impact of the storm is expected to be felt over the coastal districts of South Andhra Pradesh from 3-5 December and adjoining coastal districts of North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on 3 and 4 December. Potential damage caused by the storm includes thatched huts and weak structures. Tree branches, small and medium sized trees, power and communication lines, paddy crops, horticultural crops and orchards. Additionally, sea water inundation, localized flooding, river flooding and complete suspension of fishing operations are expected.
The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Due to this, a rain warning has been issued. Due to the impact of this cyclone, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain as well as lightning in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. For fishermen, a warning has been issued for south Andaman Sea and mainly south-west Bay of Bengal, adjoining west central, south-east Bay of Bengal for the next 24 hours.
There is a possibility of rain in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu on December 3. Coastal Andhra Pradesh may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and extremely heavy rainfall at one or two places on December 4. Along with Rayalaseema, Telangana and southern Odisha may also receive heavy rain on December 4.
A warning has been issued to fishermen for the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. It is being told that the fishermen are currently in the deep sea. They should return immediately. The warning states that this alert is till December 5. According to the Meteorological Department, there are chances of fog in some parts of North India on 2-3 December. Heavy rains may start over north-coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry from December 2.
IMD wrote on social media platform X that residents of northern coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal are likely to experience extremely heavy rainfall (above 204.4 mm) on December 3. Heavy to very heavy rainfall on 4 December. Be safe and take all precautions.
To deal with the challenges of cyclonic storm, the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) chaired by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba in Delhi reviewed the preparedness of state governments and central ministries and departments for cyclone ‘Michaung’ forming in the Bay of Bengal. Director General of India Meteorological Department briefed NCMC about the current situation of Cyclone Michaung.
The meeting was informed that fishermen have been asked not to venture into the sea, while adequate shelter, power supply, medicines and emergency services are being kept ready. NDRF has established 19 rescue teams for Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Puducherry and 11 additional teams have been kept ready. Relief and rescue teams from the Coast Guard, Army and Navy have been kept on standby along with ships and aircraft.
In anticipation of the cyclone, the IMD has issued an orange alert for Tamil Nadu, coastal Andhra Pradesh and interior Andhra Pradesh for Sunday and Monday. The alert indicates increased rainfall, strong winds and rough sea conditions over the south-west Bay of Bengal for the next four days. Coastal areas of northern Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh are preparing for the impact of Cyclone Michaung, named by Myanmar, between December 3 and 5. The ‘Orange’ alert indicates heavy rainfall, strong winds and rough sea conditions over southwest Bay of Bengal.
