Cyclone Michaung Threatens Southern and Eastern India: IMD Issues Warning
Posted on: 02/Dec/2023 9:59:08 AM
In a recent advisory, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning about a developing cyclonic threat in the Southwest Bay of Bengal. The depression, steadily gaining momentum, is currently moving west-northwestwards at a speed of 9 kmph. As of 11 pm on December 1, the center of the depression is located at Latitude 10.3 N and Longitude 85.3 E, approximately 630 km east-southeast of Puducherry.
The storm`s position places it at a distance of 630 km east-southeast of Chennai, 740 km southeast of Nellore, 810 km southeast of Bapatla, and 800 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam, according to the latest IMD bulletin. The system is expected to intensify into a Deep Depression within the next 12 hours and further evolve into Cyclonic Storm `Michaung` over the Southwest Bay of Bengal by December 3.
Projections indicate that the cyclonic disturbance will shift northwestwards, reaching the vicinity of south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts by the forenoon of December 4. The system is anticipated to move nearly northwards, running parallel and close to the south Andhra Pradesh coast, with a projected landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam during the forenoon of December 5. At this time, the Cyclonic Storm is expected to have a maximum sustained wind speed of 80-90 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 100 kmph.
In response to the impending threat, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin conducted a review meeting on Friday with 12 district administration heads. The meeting addressed the likelihood of heavy rainfall affecting various districts of Tamil Nadu over the next 2-3 days. Stalin issued appropriate guidelines and instructed all concerned officials to take precautionary measures, including the evacuation of residents from areas deemed vulnerable to the approaching cyclone.
The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), headed by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, also reviewed the preparedness of state governments and central ministries and departments for Cyclone `Michaung` in the Bay of Bengal.
The meteorological authorities have issued a comprehensive rainfall warning for several regions in southern and eastern India. The forecast predicts light to moderate rainfall in most places in North coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on December 2, with isolated heavy rainfall expected. Rainfall intensity is set to increase from December 3, with most places experiencing rain and heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places. Residents in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are also advised to prepare for varying degrees of rainfall from December 3 to December 5.
