Cyclonic Storm 'Michaung' poses a looming threat to the South Andhra Pradesh coast, intensifying over the Bay of Bengal and prompting authorities to issue warnings of heavy rains, potential flooding, and disruptive winds.
In a recent update from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has evolved into Cyclonic Storm 'Michaung,' anticipated to make landfall along the South Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam on December 5. The IMD reported a maximum sustained wind speed of 80-90 kmph, gusting up to 100 kmph, as reported by PTI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a conversation with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Sunday, assessing the state's readiness for Cyclone Michaung and ensuring comprehensive assistance.
Named by Myanmar, 'Michaung' translates to strength or resilience, reflecting the storm's potential impact. Currently positioned about 300 km east-southeast of Puducherry, the cyclonic storm is expected to intensify further as it moves northwestwards, reaching the westcentral Bay of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh and north Tamil Nadu coasts by December 4 forenoon.
The system's trajectory suggests a nearly northward movement, running parallel to the south Andhra Pradesh coast, with a projected landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam during the forenoon of December 5. Under its influence, widespread heavy rainfall is predicted in southern Odisha and the coastal regions.
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar anticipates light to moderate rainfall in Odisha, with the intensity increasing over the next three days. The IMD issued Yellow and Orange warnings for different districts, signifying potential heavy to very heavy rainfall.
In response to the impending weather conditions, the state government has placed coastal and southern district collectors on high alert, and the Agriculture department's field workers' leaves have been canceled. The East Coast Railways (ECoR) has taken precautions by canceling 54 trains within its jurisdiction.
Fishermen are strongly advised to avoid venturing into the sea due to rough to very rough sea conditions. Squally winds are expected along the Odisha coast, reaching 35-45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph from December 4 evening, gradually increasing to 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph from December 5 evening for the subsequent 12 hours. Ports in Odisha have been instructed to hoist distant cautionary signal I.