Cyclone Michaung Threatens Northern Coastal Regions of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh
Posted on: 03/Dec/2023 5:31:40 PM
In a significant weather development, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy to very heavy rains in the northern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and interior regions. The IMD has indicated that the depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal is set to intensify into a cyclonic storm on December 3. Named Cyclone Michaung, it is expected to approach the west central Bay of Bengal off the south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts by December 4 morning.
According to S Balachandran, Deputy Director General of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai, districts including Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Tiruvallur, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, and Cuddalore are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rains. In response to the imminent threat, schools in Puducherry, Karaikal, and Yanam will remain closed as the IMD issued a `yellow` alert, anticipating Cyclone Michaung`s landfall by December 4.
Balachandran highlighted that from October 1 till date, the region has recorded 34 cm of rainfall against the normal 36 cm during the North East Monsoon period. The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), led by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, has reviewed the preparedness of state governments and central ministries for Cyclone Michaung. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 18 teams to Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Puducherry, with 10 additional teams on standby.
Rescue and relief teams from the Coast Guard, Army, and Navy, along with ships and aircraft, are also ready to respond. Coastal districts along north Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh are urged to take necessary precautions as they brace for the impact of Cyclone Michaung in the coming week.
