Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are on high alert as Cyclone Michaung is anticipated to make landfall within the next 24 hours, triggering widespread preparations and precautions. Chennai, in particular, has taken preemptive measures, including the closure of schools, suspension of flights, and the evacuation of coastal areas, amid heavy rainfall and waterlogging in low-lying regions.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has provided critical information, stating that the cyclone is headed toward the Andhra coast and is expected to hit land tomorrow. The severity of the storm has prompted warnings of significant rainfall impact on Tamil Nadu, while powerful winds could potentially cause havoc in Andhra Pradesh.

Dr. M Mohapatra, the Director-General of IMD, emphasized that the damage from rainfall would be more pronounced in Tamil Nadu, with wind speeds anticipated to be in the range of 60-70 km/hr. He further stressed the severity of the cyclone, indicating that it will persist until December 6, urging residents in coastal areas to avoid venturing out for their safety.

Cyclone Michaung, currently situated over the Bay of Bengal, approximately 90 km northeast of Chennai, possesses a central windspeed of 80-85 km/hr. The IMD predicts a gradual increase in wind speed, particularly from Nellore to Krishna District, reaching its peak from the evening of today until tomorrow afternoon. The anticipated landfall is projected to occur around Bapatla, situated between Nellore and Machilipatnam on the Andhra Pradesh coast, with a wind speed ranging from 90 to 100 km/hr.

In response to the imminent threat, the Tamil Nadu government has declared Monday a public holiday and encouraged private companies to adopt the ‘work from home’ option for employees in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts. While essential services such as milk supply and healthcare facilities will remain operational, the railways have canceled 118 trains to and from Tamil Nadu, and the Chennai airport has been temporarily closed until 11 pm today.

As the region braces for Cyclone Michaung, the coordinated efforts of government agencies, businesses, and the public underscore the importance of proactive measures to mitigate the potential impact of severe weather events.

—

#CycloneMichaung #TamilNadu #AndhraPradesh #IMD #WeatherAlert #Preparedness #PublicSafety