Cyclone Michaung, a severe cyclonic storm, struck the southern coast of India, bringing with it devastating impacts. The cyclone made landfall in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh near the town of Bapatla, with winds reaching up to 110 kph (70 mph). This event caused widespread destruction and disruption in the region, including the death of at least nine individuals due to the torrential rains and flooding it triggered.
Cyclone Michaung Affected Areas
The cyclone severely affected Tamil Nadu, particularly its capital, Chennai, which is a significant electronics and manufacturing hub. The city witnessed severe waterlogging, with residents wading waist-deep through floodwaters. The inundation was so severe that it swept away cars and submerged the runway of one of India’s busiest airports, leading to its closure until Tuesday morning following the cyclone’s landfall. The heavy rains and winds also disrupted power and communication lines, uprooted trees, and led to the cancellation of more than 140 trains and 40 flights in Andhra Pradesh.
Cyclone Michaung Live Update
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecasted the cyclone to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam, and parts of the state were expected to receive more than 200 mm (8 inches) of rain over 24 hours. In response to the impending cyclone, authorities in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh were on high alert, evacuating thousands of people living in coastal areas and issuing warnings to fishermen not to venture out to sea.
SCS “MICHAUNG” over WC & adj SW BoB off south AP and adj north TN coasts moved NWwards during past 06 hrs and lay centered at 1130 hrs IST of 4th Dec over the same region about 90 km northeast of Chennai, 140 km SE of Nellore, 200 km NNE of Puducherry, 270 km south of Bapatla.
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) December 4, 2023
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed 21 teams in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry, with eight additional teams kept in reserve. The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, reviewed the preparedness of state governments and central ministries for the cyclone. The Tamil Nadu government declared a public holiday in several districts, urging private companies to allow employees to work from home and ensuring the operation of essential services like milk supply and healthcare facilities.
🌀#CycloneMichaung: As India’s east coast braces for the approaching landfall on Dec 5, residents have been urged to seek higher ground.
Meanwhile, #Nellore & #Tirupati in #AndhraPradesh have begun facing torrential rains & subsequent waterlogging.
📽️: Nellorevlogger/Instagram pic.twitter.com/nkQ4toNyFi
— The Weather Channel India (@weatherindia) December 4, 2023
The impact of Cyclone Michaung was also felt in other regions, including Odisha and West Bengal. Odisha experienced light to moderate rainfall in most places, with heavy rainfall forecasted in some districts. The state’s government put coastal and southern district collectors on alert and cancelled leave for field workers in the Agriculture department. In West Bengal, light to moderate rainfall was predicted in several southern districts, including Kolkata.
Responding to distressing situation #CycloneMichuang, two columns from Army Camp Pallavaram, under Dakshin Bharat Area #IndianArmy @IaSouthern mobilized for assistance to the flooded areas Mugalivakkam and Manapakkam #Chennai to rescue stranded residents due to flooding. @adgpi pic.twitter.com/mKJVwRvEy9
— Defence PRO Chennai (@Def_PRO_Chennai) December 4, 2023
Overall, Cyclone Michaung’s landfall and subsequent heavy rains caused significant distress and damage in the southern regions of India, highlighting the challenges posed by severe weather events in coastal areas. The coordinated response by various government agencies and departments played a crucial role in mitigating the impact of the cyclone and providing relief to the affected populations.