New Delhi/Chennai:
Cyclone Michaung, which is raging over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall near Bapatla in coastal Andhra Pradesh after causing rain chaos in Tamil Nadu. At least eight people have been killed in rain-related incidents in Chennai so far.
Here are the top 10 updates on Cyclone Michaung
A storm surge, or tidal wave, of 1 to 1.5 meters in height is expected to inundate low-lying areas of south coastal Andhra Pradesh and the peak of the storm surge will be over Bapatla and Krishna districts. The cyclone is expected to make landfall as a severe cyclonic storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 km per hour, with gusts up to 110 km per hour.
The Andhra Pradesh government has issued an alert for eight districts: Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema and Kakinada. In Puducherry, Section 144 has been imposed in coastal areas, restricting movement there until 6 p.m.
Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has directed the officials to view the storm as a major challenge to prevent loss of life and property as the winds are expected to blow gale at speeds of up to 110 kilometers per hour.
Mr Reddy said special officers have been appointed for all cyclone-affected districts, besides releasing Rs 2 crore per district for rescue and relief work. People from low-lying areas have been evacuated and more than 300 relief camps have been set up to accommodate them.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday spoke to the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry and assured them of all necessary assistance from the Centre. The minister said sufficient National Disaster Response Force personnel have already been deployed and additional teams are ready for further assistance.
Indian Meteorological Department Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra warned that cities and towns along coastal Andhra Pradesh will experience extremely heavy and even exceptionally heavy (30-40 cm) rainfall.
A severe cyclonic storm can cause uprooting of small and medium-sized trees, large-scale damage to huts and mud houses and partial damage to telephone and electricity poles.
In Chennai, rain has stopped but most parts of the city are still flooded, with heavy flooding in low-lying areas. The weather bureau said Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are expected to experience light to moderate rainfall at most places today.
The Chennai airport resumed operations this morning after planes were grounded yesterday when rainwater entered the runway. The airport would prioritize departures to clear passengers stranded at the airport, officials said.
The Odisha government has also deployed rescue teams in southern districts as a precautionary measure. All collectors from coastal and southern districts have been on alert and fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea as sea conditions remain difficult.
Post comment