Cyclone Michaung: 5 Dead In Chennai, Amit Shah Reviews Situation As Landfall Tomorrow — Updates

The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into the severe cyclonic storm 'Michaung' about 8.30 a.m. on Monday, according to the IMD.

Michaung, a cyclonic storm, is expected to make landfall near Bapatla in Andhra Pradesh around midday on December 5, becoming the first to hit the coast in two years following Cyclone Gulab in September 2021.  The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into the severe cyclonic storm 'Michaung' about 8.30 a.m. on Monday, according to the IMD.

The wind speed in Michaung is expected to reach severe cyclonic levels, with a maximum sustained speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph. Most of Tamil Nadu, southern Andhra Pradesh, and southern Odisha might get severe rainfall as a result of the system.  Here are some crucial facts about Michaung, the fourth tropical cyclone to hit the Bay of Bengal this year.

Key Points

• The IMD has issued an orange alert for Andhra Pradesh and the adjoining north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry beaches as cyclone Michaung approaches the south Andhra Pradesh coast. Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema, and Kakinada are among the eight districts on high alert. Funds have been given to protect the districts, with an emphasis on reducing crop loss.


• According to an official statement from the Chennai police, up to five individuals were killed in different instances in Tamil Nadu's Chennai during severe rain caused by Cyclone Michaung, ANI reported. According to the authorities, one individual was hurt as a result of a tree falling.


• In response to Cyclone Michaung, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for a few districts in Rayalaseema, South and North Coastal Andhra Pradesh. The storm is projected to last until December 7, after which it will transition into a deep depression and return to normality. 


• The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 18 teams across the eastern coastal states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Puducherry, with a further 10 teams on standby. According to a statement issued by the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), rescue and relief teams from the Coast Guard, Army, and Navy, as well as ships and planes, are on standby.


• Union Home Minister Amit Shah talked to the chief ministers of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry on Monday about the crisis caused by Cyclone Michaung and promised them of all essential government assistance. Shah further stated that enough deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) troops has already occurred, and that additional teams are ready to help. 


• With heavy rain recorded in north coastal Tamil Nadu, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, and Thiruvallur districts, 32 planes planned to land in Chennai have been diverted to Bengaluru and several to Vijayawada and Rajahmundry. Due to extreme weather conditions, the Chennai airport has been closed for arrival and departure operations till 11 p.m. on Monday.


• The Indian Army's 2 Madras Unit evacuated residents from Chennai's Mugalivakkam and Manapakkam suburbs, which had been flooded by severe rains.


• According to the Andhra Pradesh CMO, the Bapatla Collectorate has taken immediate and thorough measures to safeguard the safety and well-being of the residents, including the installation of specialised control rooms to coordinate and monitor the situation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


• Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy stated at a review meeting with district collectors that he will personally visit the affected regions after the relief efforts have been completed.


• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said on Monday that his administration was taking all necessary steps to give relief in the aftermath of Cyclone Michaung, which has disrupted regular life. Relief efforts are being conducted quickly in rain-affected areas, with different department personnel, including police, fire, and rescue, being deployed in huge numbers as a precautionary step, he said.


• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin dialled Tamil Nadu Ministers PK Sekar Babu, KN Nehru and EV Velu and took stock of damages caused by Cyclone Michaung and relief and rescue operations that are underway. He inquired about the food and facilities that are being provided to the civilians staying at the relief camps, according to state's Director of Public Relations.