In response to Cyclone Michaung ‘s looming threat, authorities have taken preventive measures. Which results in the closure of educational institutions for two days in Andhra Pradesh’s NTR district, Pondicherry, Karaikal, and Yanam starting Monday.
Public Holiday in Tamil Nadu:
Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Tamil Nadu government has declared a public holiday on Monday. Private companies have instructed to facilitate work-from-home options, especially in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts.
The move aims to ensure the safety of residents. As because heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in various regions. Which includes Chengalpet, Kanchipuram, and Thiruvallur.
Impact on Chennai Metro Services
Metro Stations Waterlogged: Heavy rainfall has led to significant waterlogging near multiple metro stations across Chennai. St Thomas metro station, in particular, witnessed up to 4 feet of accumulated water, disrupting access to the station.
Despite these challenges, metro services commenced normally at 5 a.m., with authorities actively pumping out excess water from affected areas. Passengers have advised to exercise caution and plan their journeys accordingly.
Heavy rainfall prompts temporary closure of Bridge No.14, disrupting train services from Dr MGR Chennai Central. Six trains, including those heading to Coimbatore and Mysuru, have been canceled. Southern Railway assures full refunds for affected passengers. Severe waterlogging forces closure of 14 subways, and Chennai airport experiences flight cancellations and diversions due to adverse weather conditions.
Cyclone Michaung’s Path and Intensity
IMD’s Forecast: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) provides a forecast indicating that Cyclone Michaung is currently moving north-northwestward. It is expected to intensify further and reach the west-central Bay of Bengal off the south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts by Monday afternoon.
Anticipated Landfall: The IMD predicts that the cyclone will cross the South Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam on December 5. The cyclone is anticipated to attain the status of a severe cyclonic storm with a maximum sustained wind speed. The wind ranging from 90-100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph.
Preparations and Evacuations
Relief Camps and Evacuations: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin conducted a review of preparatory measures. A total of 685 individuals from vulnerable areas in Tiruvallur, Chennai, Kancheepuram, and Chengelpet districts have accommodated in 11 relief camps.
Furthermore, 121 multipurpose centers and 4,967 relief camps, equipped with basic amenities, prepared in northern and coastal regions of the state. That includes the Cauvery Delta areas.
Deployment of Disaster Response Teams:
To address potential challenges, Tamil Nadu’s Disaster Response Force and the National Disaster Response Force have deployed 14 teams comprising 350 personnel and nine teams with 225 personnel, respectively. These team stationed strategically in coastal regions such as Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Kancheepuram, Chengalpet, and Chennai for effective relief and rescue operations.
Cyclone Michaung: Alerts and Warnings
Yellow and Orange Warnings: The IMD has issued yellow warnings for heavy rainfall on December 4 and orange warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall on December 5 in specific districts. Odisha is on high alert, and the government has canceled the leave of field workers under the Agriculture department.
Prime Minister’s Coordination Efforts
PM Modi’s Involvement: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has maintained constant communication with the governments of states. Along the eastern coast in preparation for Cyclone Michaung. Urging proactive involvement, he has called upon BJP workers in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh to actively contribute to relief and rescue efforts, supporting local administrations.
Cyclone Michaung Potential Impact on West Bengal
Southern Districts on Alert: The influence of Cyclone Michaung may extend to the southern districts of West Bengal, including Kolkata. The Meteorological Department has forecasted light to moderate rainfall on December 6 and 7 in Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Kolkata, Howrah, and Hooghly.
As Cyclone Michaung progresses, authorities are diligently implementing comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of residents while minimizing the potential impact on coastal communities.
