Cyclone Michong: Impact on Tamil Nadu-Andhra, Record Chennai Rainfall, 5 Fatalities, Transport Disruptions
Cyclone Michong, originating from the Bay of Bengal on December 2, is expected to make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam, near Bapatla in Andhra Pradesh, in the afternoon on December 5. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that during this period, wind speeds may reach between 90 to 110 kilometers per hour (KMPH).
Andhra Pradesh on High Alert as Cyclone Michong Approaches: Red Alert Issued in Key Districts
As Cyclone Michong inches closer, Andhra Pradesh has heightened its state of alert, with the government issuing a red alert in several districts. The affected areas include Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema, and Kakinada. Recognizing the potential threat posed by the cyclonic conditions, the state government’s proactive measure aims to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in these vulnerable regions.
To bolster emergency response capabilities, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have mobilized resources, deploying five teams to each of the identified districts. This strategic positioning of rescue and relief teams aligns with the government’s commitment to swift and effective response measures in the event of any untoward incidents.
Unprecedented Rainfall Devastates Chennai as Cyclone Michong Leaves a Trail of Destruction
The city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu bore the brunt of Cyclone Michong, experiencing an unprecedented deluge with rainfall reaching approximately 400-500 mm since Sunday morning. This extreme weather event has left a lasting impact on the region, with the Water Supply Minister of Tamil Nadu noting that such substantial rainfall has not been witnessed in Chennai for the past 70-80 years.
The severe weather conditions have resulted in tragic consequences, as five individuals have lost their lives in the wake of the cyclonic impact. The unprecedented nature of the rainfall has led to widespread flooding, infrastructure damage, and disruptions in normal life for the residents of Chennai.
Disruptions in Transportation and Intensified Emergency Response as Cyclone Michong Unleashes Havoc
The impact of Cyclone Michong extends beyond the immediate regions of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry, manifesting in widespread disruptions to transportation and necessitating a robust emergency response. As of now, 204 train services and 70 flights have been canceled in anticipation of the storm’s adverse effects on travel and infrastructure.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has taken proactive measures by deploying 21 teams across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry. These specialized teams are equipped to handle a spectrum of emergency situations, including search and rescue operations, medical assistance, and the evacuation of residents from high-risk areas.
Public Holiday Declared in Four Tamil Nadu Districts Amidst Cyclone Michong Impact
In response to the intensifying impact of Cyclone Michong, a public holiday has been declared in four districts of Tamil Nadu—Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, and Tiruvallur—on Tuesday, with the exception of essential services. This decision, aimed at ensuring public safety, includes the closure of schools and colleges in the specified districts. Simultaneously, the state government has urged private companies to facilitate remote work for their employees on December 5, contributing to the collective efforts to mitigate the effects of the cyclone.
The adverse weather conditions have prompted necessary precautions at Chennai International Airport, where the runway has been temporarily closed due to waterlogging caused by persistent rainfall. The closure, initially from 9:40 am to 11 pm on Monday, has been extended until 9 am on Tuesday. Consequently, 70 flights have been canceled, and incoming flights to Chennai are being diverted to Bengaluru.
Anticipated Respite from Rain in Chennai as Relief Efforts Continue
As the impact of Cyclone Michong continues to unfold, there is a glimmer of relief for Chennai, as the possibility of reduced rainfall on Tuesday is on the horizon. Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, Shiv Das Meena, provided an update on Monday, indicating a decrease in rainfall in the city. The Meteorological Department supports this observation, predicting light rain in Chennai on both Tuesday and Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Madras Unit of the Indian Army has been actively engaged in rescue operations in the Mugalivakkam and Manapakkam areas of Chennai. On Monday, the efforts led to the safe evacuation of 300 individuals from these regions, demonstrating the collaborative response of government agencies in addressing the immediate needs of affected communities.
Despite the potential easing of rainfall, certain areas in Chennai continue to grapple with inundated roads, with water levels reaching up to 3 to 4 feet in some locations. Monday witnessed distressing scenes of vehicles floating in residential areas, highlighting the severity of flooding in certain pockets.
Prolonged Heavy Rainfall Forecasted for Andhra Pradesh Until December 6, Disruptions Persist
Andhra Pradesh continues to face the brunt of adverse weather conditions as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) extends its warning of heavy rains with thunderstorms until Wednesday, December 6. In response to this forecast, authorities have taken precautionary measures, leading to the closure of schools and colleges on both December 4 and 5 to ensure the safety of students and staff.
The impact of the inclement weather is notably evident at Tirupati Airport, where the Director, KM Basavaraju, has reported significant disruptions. All flights scheduled for Monday were canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions, encompassing 14 scheduled flights and one non-scheduled flight.
Myanmar Designates Cyclone as ‘Michaung’: Signifying Strength and Flexibility
Myanmar has officially named the storm ‘Michaung,’ a term that conveys attributes of strength and flexibility. The nomenclature reflects the nation’s recognition of the cyclone’s characteristics and underscores the significance of the event. Cyclone Michaung is anticipated to be the first typhoon to make landfall in two years, following Cyclone Gulab in September 2021.
Remarkably, Michaung Cyclone marks the fourth storm to originate in the Bay of Bengal and the sixth in the Indian Ocean in the year 2023. The frequency of such weather phenomena emphasizes the dynamic nature of climatic conditions in the region, warranting a heightened level of preparedness and response from both the affected nations and international meteorological agencies.
Odisha on Alert as Meteorological Department Issues Orange Warning for Heavy Rainfall
The state of Odisha is currently under an orange alert, signifying the potential for heavy rainfall, with the Meteorological Department predicting such conditions until December 6. The districts of Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, and Ganjam have been specifically highlighted with an orange alert for December 4 and 5, where rainfall ranging from 2.75 to 4.55 inches is anticipated.
In response to the forecast, the Odisha government has activated an alert status for officers in coastal areas, emphasizing the need for preparedness and timely response to potential challenges arising from the inclement weather. The East Coast Railway has taken preventive measures, canceling over 60 trains in anticipation of adverse conditions such as heavy rain and strong winds.
Coastal States of Puducherry and Telangana on High Alert as Cyclone Michong Approaches
As Cyclone Michong approaches, the governments of Puducherry and Telangana have heightened their preparedness measures, issuing alerts to safeguard the well-being of their residents.
Puducherry’s Precautionary Measures:
The Puducherry government has issued an alert in anticipation of the storm’s impact. In marine areas, Section 144 has been imposed, restricting movement and activities to enhance safety measures. Residents have been instructed to refrain from visiting coastal areas from 7 pm on December 3 to 6 pm on December 5. This proactive approach aims to mitigate potential risks associated with the cyclonic conditions, prioritizing the safety of coastal communities.
Telangana’s Red Alert:
The Telangana administration has declared a red alert in response to the impending storm. This level of alert signifies the highest level of preparedness, indicating the severity of the anticipated weather conditions. The declaration of a red alert underscores the importance of swift and comprehensive action to address the potential impact of Cyclone Michong in the region.
Weather Outlook for December 5: Varied Rainfall Across Regions
As the calendar turns to December 5, meteorological forecasts from Skymet provide insights into the anticipated weather conditions across different regions of India. A significant weather pattern is expected over Andhra Pradesh, where moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by strong winds at speeds ranging from 90 to 100 km per hour, is likely in the next 24 hours. Meanwhile, parts of East Telangana and Odisha may experience light to moderate rain, with the possibility of occasional heavy spells.
In other regions, a range of precipitation intensities is forecasted. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal, parts of Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand can expect light to moderate rainfall. Additionally, there is a likelihood of light rain occurring at one or two places over Vidarbha, Telangana, Karnataka, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Kerala.
