Cyclone Michaung Live: A commuter on a waterlogged road during heavy rain owing to Cyclone Michaung, in Chennai, Monday, Dec. 4, 2023. (PTI Photo)Cyclone Michaung News Highlights: According to the India Meteorological Department, (IMD), the landfall process of Cyclone Michaung is now completed and the weather system is likely to move northwards and weaken into a cyclonic storm. This is the first cyclone system to cross the coast in two years after Cyclone Gulab in September 2021. Meanwhile, at least 17 people have died in rain-related incidents in Chennai so far, as heavy rain triggered by the cyclone pounded the city, leaving large parts of it submerged.
Yesterday, an orange alert was sounded by the IMD for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts as the approached the South Andhra coast. Several areas of Chennai and its neighbouring districts were inundated due to relentless rains, and transport and air carrier services took a severe hit. Nearly 900 people residing in villages along the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh have been evacuated to safety, and 21 cyclone shelters have been set up in Bapatla district, said district superintendent of police Vakul Jindal, reported PTI.
Current Position of the Cyclone: The landfall process of Cyclone Michaung is now completed and the weather system is likely to move northwards and weaken into a cyclonic storm. As of 5:30 pm today, the cyclone lay centred over south coastal Andhra Pradesh, about 25 km west-northwest of Bapatla and 60 km north-northeast of Ongole.
Raipur city and parts of Chhattisgarh received light rain due to cyclone Michaung, which crossed coastal south Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday, bringing down the temperature, the Met department said.
Durg, Bilaspur, Bastar and Raipur divisions received light showers.
"Chhattisgarh is likely to receive light or moderate rainfall in several parts on Wednesday. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms accompanied with strong winds are likely to occur in few places," the Met Department said. (PTI)
No loss of life has been reported in Andhra Pradesh even as heavy rain battered coastal Andhra Pradesh districts, hours after Cyclone Michaung made landfall between Nellore and Kavali, officials said Tuesday. But standing crops, especially paddy, have been washed away.
The state government has evacuated people on a war footing to avoid any casualties. About 9,500 people are being sheltered in 211 relief camps across eight districts—Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema and Kakinada. (Read More)
Cyclone Michaung barrelled into the Andhra Pradesh coast on Tuesday with winds of up to 110 kph (70 mph), its arrival preceded by intense rain and flooding that killed nine people, as officials assessed the damage by the storm.
The IMD said Michaung, which had weakened to 'cyclonic storm intensity' by late Tuesday, implying wind speeds of 65-75 kph, was likely to maintain this strength over the next 6 hours.
Up to 200 mm (8 inches) of rain is expected in Andhra Pradesh state, where it made landfall, over the next 24 hours.
More than 140 trains and 40 flights were cancelled in the state, and at least 8,000 people were evacuated in Andhra Pradesh. (Reuters)
According to the India Meteorological Department, (IMD), the landfall process of Cyclone Michaung is now completed and the weather system is likely to move northwards and weaken into a cyclonic storm.
? A total of 29 NDRF teams have been deployed in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Puducherry to undertake relief and rescue operations in the wake of the severe cyclonic storm Michaung hurtling down India's eastern coast on Tuesday, a senior officer said.
? Fourteen National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in Tamil Nadu (five in Chennai), 11 in Andhra Pradesh, one in Telangana and three in Puducherry.
? "Our focus is on Andhra Pradesh as the cyclone will make landfall there and a number of trees, poles and other infrastructure could be uprooted, leading to blockage of communication and power lines," the officer said.
? The teams, armed with wood and pole cutters along with inflatable boats, are already undertaking route-clearing operations in various parts of Tamil Nadu, where the cyclone wreaked havoc on Tuesday morning, the officer said. (PTI)
Rough sea, strong winds and heavy rain could be seen in Andhra Pradesh's Bapatla town as Cyclone Michaung made its landfall on Tuesday afternoon. The weather system is likely to move northwards and weaken into a cyclonic storm in the next two hours.
The NDRF personnel have been deployed on Bapatla coast in Andhra Pradesh for rescue operation as cyclone Michaung makes landfall.
"We have deployed 12 teams, which are ready for rescue operations," said Zahid Khan, Commandant NDRF.
Severe cyclonic storm Michaung crossed south Andhra Pradesh coast close to Bapatla district between 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm on Tuesday with maximum gales of up to 90 – 100 km per hour speed, said an Amaravati Meteorological Centre official.
The Andhra Pradesh government set up helplines in the affected districts: Bapatla (8712655881), Guntur (0863 – 2234014), Krishna (08672 – 25272), NTR (0866 – 2575833), Chittoor (9491077356), Kadapa (08672 – 23272), Visakhapatnam (0891 – 2590100) and Tirupati (0877 – 2236007), among others.
The IMD has issued a flash flood warning for certain coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh till 11:30 am of December 6 i.e. tomorrow.
High flashflood risk over a few watersheds and neighbourhoods of the following coastal districts of AP: Guntur, Prakasam and Krishna (>50%)
Moderate flash flood risk (>20% - <50%) over a few watersheds and neighbourhoods of the following coastal districts of Andhra and Telangana over the next 24 hours: West Godavari, Guntur, Kurnool, Prakasam and Nellore of Andhra.
Nalgonda, Suryapet, Khammam, Bharadri kothagudem and Mahabubabad districts of Telangana.
The Severe Cyclonic Storm Michaung crossed the south Andhra Pradesh coast close to the south of Bapatla town from 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm on 5 December with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 kmph.
Severe cyclonic storm Michaung's landfall is currently underway with the eye of the cyclone situated near Bapatla in south Andhra Pradesh coast. According to IMD DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the cyclone will have an indirect impact on states including: northeastern states, Jharkhand and Bihar.
"It will have no impact on north India. It's impact is on Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Besides, it will have an indirect impact on northeastern states, Jharkhand and Bihar where light rainfall is expected," he said.
"The landfall process of Cyclone Michaung has already started and will take around 2 hours to complete. NDRF and SDRF have been deployed, and all the necessary precautionary measures have been taken," says MM Ali, Meteorologist, Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA).
The cyclone made landfall in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh near the town of Bapatla, the weather office said, barrelling in with winds of up to 110 kph (70 mph).
'The landfall process is continuing and is expected to be completed during the next three hours,' the Indian Meteorological Department said on social media platform X. (Reuters)
As many as 9,500 people have been shifted to 211 relief camps in the wake of severe cyclonic storm Michaung and Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy has directed the officials to ensure quality relief facilities.
Reddy Tuesday held a review meeting to inquire about the impact of the storm and assess the current situation, where officials informed that the cyclone made landfall between Nellore and Kavali, with the remaining part moving towards the sea. They explained to the Chief Minister that the storm is expected to cross the coast, hitting Chirala-Bapatla.
A gradual reduction in the cyclone's impact in Tirupati and Nellore districts since morning is noted and urgent measures were ordered to restore the electricity supply system in cyclone-affected areas, including Nellore and Tirupati, according to a press release from the CMO.
The CM has emphasized the need to provide compensation within 48 hours for any reported any casualties and cattle loss. Enumeration activities were also instructed to commence once the storm subsides. Officials have been directed to efficiently distribute ration using the village, ward secretariat, and volunteer system.
As of 11.30 am, the weather system had moved at a speed of 10 kmph over the past six hours, positioning itself near latitude 15.45 degrees north and longitude 80.25 degrees east. According to the latest bulletin from the IMD, the weather system situated about 20 km east of Ongole, 50 km south-southwest of Bapatla, 70 km north-northeast of Kavali, 110 km north-northeast of Nellore and 120 km southwest of Machilipatnam.
As per the IMD update, the landfall process is continuing and likely to continue for next 3 hours.
Extremely heavy rain continues to lash 11 districts of Andhra Pradesh, bringing regular life to a standstill, as severe cyclonic storm Michaung is all set to make landfall in the state on Tuesday. The Andhra Pradesh government is on high alert for rescue and rehabilitation.
Low-lying areas in several districts have been inundated, while the seashore is witnessing rising water levels under the influence of the cyclone. Severe power outages and disruptions in cell phone and internet connectivity are being reported even as the uprooting of trees and electric lamp posts are widely seen.
Train, road and air connectivity to the affected areas are disrupted.
The district collectors of Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema, and Kakinada have evacuated hundreds of people and shifted them to over 200 relief camps.
The India Meteorological Department has warned that north coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and south coastal Andhra Pradesh will experience heavy rain from December 4 to December 6. It has issued a red alert for Khammam, Bhadradri Kothagudem and Mulugu districts in eastern Telangana, bordering Andhra Pradesh.
An interim Central assistance of Rs 5,000 crore has been sought by the Tamil Nadu government to provide relief to people and rebuild infrastructure damaged by incessant rains in Chennai and some other districts of the state.
Raising the issue through a zero-hour mention in the Rajya Sabha, Tiruchi Siva, a leader of the DMK which rules the state, said heavy rains due to severe Cyclone Michaung have submerged Chennai and other districts.
At least nine people, including a child, were killed in the flooding and the havoc caused hours before the cyclone was due to make landfall. Cars were swept and airport operations shut down as the streets of Chennai got inundated.
"Roads have become rivers because of non-stop running waters and rivers have become like seas... all the water bodies are overflowing. Many tanks have been breached," he said. (PTI)
Across Nellore, Eluru, Konaseema, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Bapatla, and other places, all low-lying areas, groundfloors of buildings, hospitals, offices, businessess have been inaundated with ankle deep water as heavy rain continues and threatens to flood large areas.
As of 8.30 am, the weather system had moved at a speed of 12 kmph over the past six hours, positioning itself near latitude 15.2 degrees north and longitude 80.25 degrees east. According to the latest bulletin from the IMD, the weather system situated 40 km northeast of Kavali, 80 km north to northeast of Nellore, 80 km south to southwest of Bapatla, and 140 km south to southwest of Machilipatnam.
As Andhra braces for worsening weather conditions, all roads are flooded in the city of Vijaywada. Meanwhile, Tirupati MLA Bhumana Karunakara Reddy and City Commissioner Haritha took stock of the situation on ground as Pulwanigunta and Gollawanigunta areas were left inundated following rainfall, and rainwater entered homes.
In its latest update, the IMD has said that severe cyclonic storm Michaung will cross south Andhra coast near Bapatla during next four hours with wind speed of 90-100 kmph.
Nearly 900 people residing in villages along the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh have been evacuated to safety. With the severe cyclonic storm Michaung anticipated to hit Bapatla district within hours, residents have been advised against going outdoors.
Bapatla district superintendent of police Vakul Jindal told PTI that people living in thatched houses in the region have been evacuated. He said 21 cyclone shelters have been set up, even as 10 trees got uprooted and 12 bridges and culverts are overflowing in the district.
“As of now there is not much of a human impact. It is raining and a bit windy. We have cleared the uprooted trees and stopped vehicle movement at overflowing places. We are vigilant and we will see what happens and respond accordingly,” Jindal said.While some people were moved to shelters in vehicles, people living nearby walked there. (PTI)
Temple town of Tirupati, Nellore, and Bapatla were bearing the brunt of heavy rains under the influence of the approaching Cyclone Michaung which is expected to make landfall around noon near Bapatla. Heavy rains were lashing parts of Coastal Andhra Pradesh accompanied by high-speed winds. The Andhra Pradesh administration has issued a high alert for eight districts.
The district collectors of Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema, and Kakinada have evacuated hundreds of people and are sheltering them in over 200 relief camps in those districts.
The India Meteorological Department has warned that North Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and South Coastal Andhra Pradesh will experience heavy rain from December 4 to December 6.
The South Central Railways today morning diverted 12665 Howrah - Kanniyakumari via Krishna Canal, Guntur, Nandyal, Yerraguntla, Renigunta, Katpadi, Arakkonam, Chengalpattu, and cancelled 07666 Gudur - Renigunta and 07667 Renigunta - Gudur on December 5 and 6.
In view of possible heavy rainfall due to cyclonic storm Michaung over the Bay of Bengal, all the primary, upper primary, high school and anganwadi centre shall remain closed on 6 December 2023, the Office of the Collector and District Magistrate, Gajapati, said in a notice.
Strong winds and turbulent seas are seen in Andhra's Bapatla ahead of landfall on Tuesday. (ANI)
The death toll in Chennai rose to eight, as per a Chennai Police bulletin. Yesterday, the Chennai Police said that five people were found dead, including 50-year-old Padmanabhan from Dindigul district, who died of electrocution, 35-year-old Murugan from Besant Nagar, who died when a tree fell on him, and 70-year-old Ganesan from Thoraipakkam, who was electrocuted while walking down a road near his house. Police said two other unidentified bodies were recovered from different parts of the city.
"Distressed by the news of the destruction and deaths caused by Cyclone Michaung in Tamil Nadu. My heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones," wrote Rahul Gandhi in a post on X.
The system over West central Bay of Bengal, off the south Andhra Pradesh coast and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts moved north-northwestwards with a speed of 10 kmph during past six hours.
The system over West central Bay of Bengal, off the south Andhra Pradesh coast and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts moved north-northwestwards with a speed of 10 kmph during past six hours. It lay centered 35 km east-northeast of Kavali, 70 km north-northeast of Nellore, 90 km south-southwest of Bapatla, 150 km south-southwest of Machilipatnam, and 230 km north of Chenna at 7:30 AM today.
North coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are expected to experience light to moderate rainfall in most places and isolated heavy rainfall on Tuesday morning, decreasing thereafter, according to the latest IMD bulletin.
The forecast of reduced rainfall intensity comes as a relief after Cyclone Michaung wreaked havoc across Chennai and adjoining districts, causing flooding and disrupting normal life on Monday.
Residents in some parts of Chennai reported no rain since early hours on Tuesday and mentioned that power services had been restored in those areas. However, train services to and from the city remain suspended.
The latest bulletin from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) states that coastal Andhra Pradesh will also continue to receive light to moderate rainfall at most places. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected at a few places with extremely heavy falls at isolated places over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on Tuesday. Additionally, exceptionally heavy rainfall at one or two places is likely over north coastal and adjoining south coastal Andhra Pradesh on Dec 5. (PTI)
? An orange alert has been sounded by the IMD for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts as cyclone Michaung approaches the south Andhra Pradesh coast. Eight districts — Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema, and Kakinada — have been put on high alert. Funds have been allocated to safeguard the districts with focus on preventing loss of crops.
? An orange alert has been sounded by the IMD for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts as cyclone Michaung approaches the south Andhra Pradesh coast. Eight districts — Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema, and Kakinada — have been put on high alert. Funds have been allocated to safeguard the districts with focus on preventing loss of crops.
? The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 18 teams in the eastern coastal states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Puducherry, 10 additional teams kept at the ready. Rescue and relief teams of the Coast Guard, Army and Navy, along with ships and aircraft are on standby, as per a statement released by National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC).
Read the full article here.
Tropical cyclone Michaung will cross the Andhra Pradesh coast in Bapatla district between the cities of Nellore and Machilipatnam in the forenoon of Tuesday (December 5), the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday (December 4) evening.
The storm, which was centred around 80 km southeast of Nellore and 120 km north-northeast of Chennai at 5.30 pm on Monday and moving northward along the Andhra Pradesh coast, has brought heavy rain to most of Tamil Nadu, parts of Andhra Pradesh, and southern Odisha.
Due to unfavourable ocean conditions, storms that develop over the North Indian Ocean in December don’t usually attain destructive intensities. High-intensity cyclones — packing high speeds and bringing heavy and widespread rain — such as Michaung are not common at this time of the year. So what makes Michaung so unusual? Read now
Cyclonic storm Michaung is set to make landfall near Bapatla in Andhra Pradesh on December 5 at noon, becoming the first to cross the coast in two years after Cyclone Gulab in September 2021. Michaung’s wind speed is anticipated to reach severe cyclonic levels, with a maximum sustained speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph. The weather system is expected to persist until December 7 and thereafter become a deep depression.
The system over West central Bay of Bengal, off the south Andhra Pradesh coast and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts moved north-northwestwards with a speed of seven kmph during past six hours. It lay centered around 20 km north-northeast of Nellore, 170 km north of Chennai, 150 km south of Bapatla and 210 km south-southwest of Machilipatnam at 2:30 AM today.
District officials in Andhra Pradesh are on high alert as Cyclone Michuang is anticipated to make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam, prompting a series of precautionary measures across the region.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said on Monday that his government was taking all necessary measures on a war-footing to provide relief in the wake of Cyclone Michaung disrupting normal life.
"The government is taking all precautionary measures on a war-footing in response to heavy rainfall over the last two days due to Cyclone Michaung causing devastation in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu districts," Stalin mentioned in an official release.
Observing that educational institutions, banks, and financial institutions have been granted holidays for Monday and Tuesday, he added,
To assist residents in low-lying areas, the chief minister stated that 350 boats were prepared for rescue operations, while 4,320 doctors were posted to provide treatment and curb the spread of rain-related diseases.
A total of 236 relief camps have been set up across eight locations in the state, providing food, water, and other basic amenities to 9,634 individuals to date. (PTI)
Current Position and Intensity:
The Severe Cyclonic Storm “MICHAUNG” over westcentral & adjoining Southwest Bay of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamilnadu coasts moved north-northwestwards with a speed of 10 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centered at 5:30 pm of 4th December, 2023 over Westcentral Bay of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamilnadu coasts near Latitude 14.0°N and Longitude 80.6°E, about 80 km southeast of Nellore, 120 km north-northeast of Chennai, 210 km south of Bapatla and 250 km south-southwest of Machilipatnam.
Forecast movement and intensity:
It is likely to move nearly northwards parallel and close to the south Andhra Pradesh coast and cross south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam, close to Bapatla during the forenoon of 5th December as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph.
? As many as five people have been killed in separate incidents in Tamil Nadu's Chennai amid heavy rain due to cyclone Michaung, according to an official statement by the Chennai police.
? Meanwhile, the Chennai airfield is to remain closed until 9 a.m. tomorrow due to adverse weather conditions
? Subways have been closed due to the severe waterlogging in Chennai. Also, traffic has been closed from Manjambakkam to Vadaperumbakkam Road due to the release of water from Puzhal Lake, said the police.
? Several areas, including Wallajah Road, Mount Road, Anna Salai, Chepauk, outside Omandurar government multispecialty hospital and other low-lying areas, were left inundated due to the persistent heavy rainfall.
? Chennai's popular Marina Beach was flooded due to heavy downpours, and the roads from Mount Road to Marina Beach were blocked due to severe waterlogging.
? The Tamil Nadu government has declared a public holiday in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts on Tuesday, given the cyclone. (inputs from ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday spoke to the chief ministers of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry on the situation arising due to Cyclone Michaung and assured them of all necessary central help.
Shah also said adequate deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel has already been made and additional teams are ready for further assistance.
At least five people were killed in several rain-related incidents in Tamil Nadu on Monday following torrential rainfall in Chennai and its neighbouring districts triggered by Cyclone Michaung.
The National President of the Telugu Desam Party and Former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Nara Chandrababu Naidu, expressed concern about the severe impact of Cyclone Michaung on the state. He emphasized the need for a well-thought-out plan to protect farmers from substantial losses resulting from the storm.
Highlighting the previous instances where grain farmers faced severe losses due to untimely rains, N Chandrababu Naidu pointed out that the government's response was inadequate. He disclosed that farmers are already grappling with difficulties arising from various procurement restrictions on grain.
Urging an immediate resolution to the issue, he stressed that the cyclone poses a serious threat to rice farmers during the harvest period and demanded for the removal of restrictions on grain procurement. The former Chief Minister called for swift action to provide shelters and essential food to those affected by the cyclone.
Additionally, N Chandrababu Naidu appealed to the Telugu Desam Party workers and leaders to stand in solidarity with the cyclone victims. Recognizing the potential severity of the cyclone's impact on various districts, the TDP Chief urged party leaders and activists to offer assistance to the affected communities.
An orange alert has been sounded by the IMD for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts as cyclone Michaung approaches the south Andhra Pradesh coast
Amid relentless rain lashing Chennai and neighbouring districts of Tamil Nadu in the wake of Cyclone Michauang, the 2 Madras Unit of the Indian Army rescued people from Mugalivakkam and Manapakkam areas in Chennai that are affected by heavy rainfall and massive waterlogging.
Amid relentless rain lashing Chennai and neighbouring districts of Tamil Nadu in the wake of Cyclone Michauang, an adult mugger crocodile was spotted crossing the Perungalathur-Nedungundram road near the state capital, reportedly in the early hours of Monday.
A video of the incident surfaced on the internet where a person on a two-wheeler was seen stopping his vehicle after spotting the crocodile. (Read More)
Current Position and Intensity:
The weather system over west-central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, leading to heavy rainfall in several parts of the state, an official said on Monday.
The weather system moved northwestwards with a speed of 8 km per hour in the past six hours up to 8:30 am on Monday and lay centred in the same region off south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts.
It is centred 90 km east to northeast off Chennai, 170 km southeast of Nellore, 200 km northeast off Puducherry, 300 km south to southeast off Bapatla and 320 km south of Machilipatnam, said the official.
Forecast movement and intensity:
The system is likely to intensify gradually and move nearly northwards almost parallel and close to south Andhra Pradesh coast and cross it between Nellore and Machilipatnam, close to Bapatla during forenoon of December 5 as a severe cyclonic storm, an Amaravati Meteorological Centre official said in a press release.
Winds reaching up to speeds of 100 kmph and gusting to 110 kmph were likely, the Met department said.
The Meteorological Department forecast heavy rainfall, accompanied by gales in parts of Andhra Pradesh over the next three days.
In the wake of the Michaung severe cyclonic storm, several places in the southern state are receiving heavy rainfall.
Due to incessant rains, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has temporarily denied permission for devotees to bathe in the Sri Kapilathirtham waterfalls. (PTI)
The Andhra Pradesh CMO says the Bapatla Collectorate has taken swift and comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the locals. The following highlights the preparations and actions taken:
- Officials have been alerted and are on high alert to respond effectively to the impending cyclonic storm.
- Dedicated control rooms have been established to coordinate and monitor the situation round the clock.
- In the interest of public safety, holidays have been announced for public institutions.
- Eight mandals in the vicinity have been identified as high-priority areas, and alerts have been issued accordingly.
- Early this morning, rescue and relief operations were initiated to address potential challenges arising from the cyclonic storm.
- Adequate vehicles have been stationed strategically for emergency response.
- Medical camps have been set up to provide immediate assistance and care to those in need.
- Civil supplies, including essential commodities, have been arranged to meet the immediate needs of the affected population.
Thirty three flights from Chennai were diverted to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) here on Monday, as heavy rains continued to pound Tamil Nadu capital and nearby districts of the neighbouring state under the impact of a cyclonic storm.
According to officials of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) that operates KIA, both domestic as well as international flights including that of Indigo, SpiceJet, Etihad, Lufthansa and Gulf Air were diverted to the city from Chennai, where many flights have also been cancelled.
The Chennai airport has been closed for arrival and departure operations till 11 pm on Monday due to severe weather conditions. As many as 70 flights arriving to and departing from the airport were cancelled owing to non-stop rains. PTI
Andhra Pradesh CM Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy said in the review meeting with district collectors that he will be personally visiting the affected districts after sufficicent time for relief efforts is complete.
5 NDRF and 5 SDRF teams have been deployed in the affected districts of Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema, and Kakinada.
In its latest update, the weather office said the rains were likely to continue in these districts till late on Monday.
"Cyclonic storm "MICHAUNG centered over the west central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining North Tamil Nadu coasts moved northwestwards at a speed of 8 KMPH, intensified into a Severe Cyclonic Storm over the same region on December 4. It is likely to move nearly northwards almost parallel and close to south Andhra Pradesh coast and and cross between Nellore and Machilipatnam (AP) during forenoon of December 5 as a Severe Cyclonic Storm," an update from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
- Transport services took a severe hit as number of trains and flights were cancelled. Heavily inundated roads posed a challenge to road users who were few and far.
- Many parts of Chennai and the adjoining districts of Kancheepuram, Chengalpet and Tiruvallur came under sheets of water even as the government machinery was deployed to clear the stagnant water and inundation.
- In its latest update, the weather office said the rains were likely to continue in these districts till late on Monday.
- The Chennai airport operations were suspended from 9.40 am to 11 pm. As many as 70 flights arriving to and departing from the airport were cancelled owing to non-stop rains. The runway and tarmac also remain shut due to waterlogging, the Airport Authority of India said.
- Rail and air services suffered cancellation and delays.
The following helplines have been set up
Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority (TNSDMA): 1070
District helpline: 1077
WhatsApp: 9445869848
Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC): 1913
Andhra Pradesh CM Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy held a review meeting with district collectors today.
Details from the meeting:
- TR 27 funds have been allocated to collectors, with 1 crore for each collector and 2 crores for Tirupati, and additional funds will be provided if required on war-footing basis.
- Special officers including senior IAS officers will be deployed to districts from today to join relief efforts.
- Evacuation processes are in place with 181 relief camps set up across the eight affected districts.
- 5 NDRF and 5 SDRF teams have been deployed in the affected districts.
- Addressing the restoration of ration distribution. 25 kg of rice, pulses, palm oil, onions and potatoes should be distributed.
- Allocation of Rs. 10,000 to the most severely affected – thatched houses/huts. CM emphasized on empathy from collectors and efficient use of the volunteer system.
- Prioritizing the supply of drinking water and transportation for pregnant women.
- Post-rain monitoring of communicable diseases and strengthening health camps.
Cyclonic storm alert has been issued for eight districts: Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema, and Kakinada.
Until December 7, the storm is expected continue, to later transform into a deep depression and return to normalcy.
The cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall near Bapatla on the morning of December 5, around 12 pm. The wind speed is anticipated to reach severe cyclonic levels, with a maximum sustained speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph during the forenoon of December 5.
NDRF personnel rescue people from waterlogged areas in Tiruvallur district amid heavy rainfall in the region.
Strong winds accompanied by heavy rainfall lash parts of Chengalpattu city.