Schools To Remain Closed In Puducherry, Karaikal And Yanam Regions On Dec 4 Due To Cyclone Michaung

Cyclone Michaung is expected to hit the coastal regions on December 4.

Cyclone Michaung: All schools will be closed on December 4. (Representative Image)

Due to Cyclone ‘Michaung’, schools across Puducherry, Karaikal, and Yanam regions will be closed on December 4, 2023. As per the India Meteorological Department's update on Saturday, the depression in the southwest Bay of Bengal is expected to escalate into a deep depression within the next 12 hours. Subsequently, by December 3, it's expected to evolve into a cyclonic storm. The depression, as of 11:30 pm on December 1, 2023, had been progressing west-northwestwards at a speed of 9 kmph, remaining centered over the same region, according to an IMD release. Forecasts indicate its progression into a cyclonic storm over the southwest Bay of Bengal by December 3, followed by a northwestward movement, reaching close to the south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts by the morning of December 4.

The Meteorological Centre, Chennai forecasts the likelihood of light thunderstorms, lightning, along with light to moderate rain in isolated areas across various districts of Tamil Nadu, including Villupuram, Ranipet, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Thiruvarur, Ramanathapuram, Thiruppur, Dindigul, Pudukottai, Virudhunagar, Nilgiris, and Theni, as well as in Puducherry & Karaikal within the next three hours.

The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), led by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, conducted a review on Friday, assessing the readiness of state governments, central ministries, and departments ahead of the approaching cyclone ‘Michaung’ in the Bay of Bengal. To aid preparations, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has allocated 18 teams to Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Puducherry, with an additional 10 teams on standby.

The Coast Guard, Army, and Navy have readied rescue and relief teams, alongside ships and aircraft on standby. Coastal districts in northern Tamil Nadu and neighboring southern Andhra Pradesh are gearing up for the potential impact of cyclone Michaung anticipated early next week.