New Delhi: Cyclone Michong is a tropical storm that formed in the Bay of Bengal on December 2, 2023. It is expected to make landfall between Nellore-Machilipatnam near Bapatla in Andhra Pradesh on December 5 in the afternoon. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone will bring strong winds of 90 to 110 kilometers per hour (KMPH) and heavy rainfall to the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
How is the cyclone affecting the region?
The cyclone has already caused widespread damage and disruption in the region. Some of the impacts are:
- Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, has received about 400-500 mm of rain since last Sunday morning, which is the highest in 70-80 years, according to the Water Supply Minister of Tamil Nadu.
- Five people have died due to the cyclone-related incidents in Tamil Nadu.
- 204 trains and 70 flights have been canceled due to the cyclone.
- The Railways have activated a war room at the board level and are monitoring every route from Delhi to Chennai.
- The Chennai Division of the Railways has prepared a disaster management action plan and formed two teams for relief operations.
How is the administration preparing for the cyclone?
The administration of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu is on high alert due to the cyclone. Some of the measures taken are:
- Andhra Pradesh has issued a red alert in eight districts: Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema and Kakinada.
- 21 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are deployed in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry.
- The Coast Guard, Army, and Navy have been kept on standby with ships and aircraft.
- Bapatla Collectorate of Andhra Pradesh has taken immediate and comprehensive measures for the safety and relief operations of the local people.
- Control rooms have been set up for 24-hour coordination and monitoring of the situation.
- Holidays have been announced in public institutions.
- Many vehicles have been deployed to deal with the emergency.
- Medical camps have been set up to provide immediate assistance to the needy people.
What are the precautions to be taken by the public?
The public is advised to follow the instructions of the local authorities and take the following precautions:
- Stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
- Keep your mobile phones charged and carry a power bank if possible.
- Keep a stock of essential items such as food, water, medicines, candles, torches, etc.
- Avoid low-lying areas and stay away from trees, electric poles, and wires.
- Do not venture into the sea or river.
- Listen to the radio or watch TV for updates and warnings.
- Call the helpline numbers in case of any emergency.
