Advertisement
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that cyclonic storm Michaung has weakened into a deep depression after making landfall close to Baptla in Andhra Pradesh. While regions of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are still under high alert, Chennai is experiencing significant flooding as a result of heavy rainfall linked to Cyclone Michaung.
The IMD reported, “Cyclonic Storm ‘MICHAUNG’ weakened into a Deep Depression over Central Coastal AP, about 100 km north-northwest of Bapatla and 50 km southeast of Khammam. It is expected to further weaken into a Depression in the next 06 hours and further into a Well-Marked Low during subsequent 06 hours.”
Eight areas in Andhra Pradesh, including Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema, and Kakinada, are under a red alert due to predicted harsh weather conditions persisting until Thursday.
Odisha is also on high alert as the intensity of rainfall is expected to increase. Light showers have been recorded in various districts, and officials anticipate a rise in intensity overnight.
The storm has caused significant damage, including 770 kilometers of road damage, uprooting of 35 trees, and the loss of three livestock, among other impacts.
YSR Congress Party MLA G Srinivas Naidu assured farmers in Andhra Pradesh that the state government would take responsibility for purchasing every grain and facilitating its transportation to rice mills, mitigating further losses.
Chennai and its surrounding areas in Tamil Nadu have borne the brunt of heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone Michaung. The flooding crisis has resulted in at least 17 deaths and extensive damage to property.
Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, along with Tamil actor Vishnu Vishal, was stranded in the Chennai flood and was successfully rescued by the Chennai Fire personnel.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed Chetak helicopters for flood relief operations in Chennai, dropping relief material in the Adyar area and near Chennai Harbour to aid those affected by the flooding.
