Michaung Cyclone Tracker LIVE: Landfall process complete, says IMD

Michaung Landfall LIVE: Heavy rainfall brought in by the severe cyclonic storm has resulted in at least 8 deaths while the operations in Chennai airport were also disrupted. More than 200 flights were cancelled as the weather deteriorated forcing people to change their travel plans. Railways also diverted several trains due the stormy weather. NDRF has put out helpline numbers for anyone who is stuck. Earlier, about 9,450 people were evacuated to safety as severe cyclonic storm Michaung is expected to make landfall close to Bapatla in south Andhra Pradesh coast within the next four hours. Rains will continue to lash in several coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha and Jharkhand.  

Landfall process of Cyclone Michaung complete

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that the landfall process of Cyclone Michaung is complete.

“The scs “michaung” over south coastal AP moved northwards during past 06 hours. The latest observation indicates that the lanfall process is completed. It lay centered at 1530 hours ist of today over south coastal AP, about 20 km WSW Of bapatla and 45 km NNE of Ongole,” the IMD said. 

Cyclone Michaung Live tracker: Here's What IMD tweeted 

“THE SEVERE CYCLONIC STORM “MICHAUNG” (PRONOUNCED AS MIGJAUM) OVER WC BAY OF BENGAL ALONG AND OFF SOUTH ANDHRA PRADESH COAST LAY CENTERED AT 1030  IST OF 5TH DECEMBER, 2023  NEAR LATITUDE 15.35°N AND LONGITUDE 80.25°E, ABOUT 25 KM EAST-SOUTHEAST OF ONGOLE”

Cyclone Michaung has made landfall in Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, signalling the start of heavy rains and strong gusty winds that are expected to sweep across multiple regions, including Guntur, Kurnool, Nellore, Kavali, Rajmundry, and northern Telangana. The arrival of the cyclone is expected to have a significant impact on these areas, raising concerns about potential risks and emphasising the need for increased vigilance and preparedness among residents and authorities.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued warnings as the severe cyclonic storm 'Michaung' was scheduled to make landfall on Tuesday, impacting several districts in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and other states. The storm has brought heavy rainfall, the storm's trajectory also encompasses neighboring states. 

Bapatla Collectorate on high-Alert: Officials in Bapatla Collectorate stand on high alert, geared to respond effectively to the impending cyclonic storm.

Control rooms activated: Dedicated control rooms have been established, functioning round the clock to coordinate and monitor the evolving situation, ensuring swift responses to any emergencies that may arise.

Safety measures: In the interest of public safety, holidays have been declared for public institutions, for the well-being of the community during this critical period.

Priority areas identified: Eight mandals in the proximity have been identified as high-priority zones, with corresponding alerts issued to ensure heightened preparedness and response in these areas.

Rescue and relief operations commence: Early this morning, rescue and relief operations were initiated, laying the groundwork to address potential challenges arising from the cyclonic storm.

Strategic emergency preparedness: A fleet of strategically stationed vehicles stands ready for immediate emergency response, ensuring swift mobility in providing aid and assistance.

Medical aid and support: Emergency medical camps have been set up, designed to offer immediate assistance and care to individuals in need.

Essential supplies arranged: Civil supplies, comprising essential commodities, have been meticulously arranged, meeting the immediate needs of the affected population.

Harvest and transfer operations: Swift actions have successfully transferred 10,000 hectares of crops to secure storage facilities, securing vital agricultural resources. Attention now focuses on safeguarding the remaining 76,000 hectares of standing crops to mitigate potential damage.

Proactive measures for vulnerable groups: In a proactive measure, 18 pregnant women have been safely transported to nearby hospitals, prioritising the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals.

Safe return of boats: A reassuring count of 2,911 boats has safely returned to shore, to ensure the safety and security of maritime assets amidst the cyclonic storm.

Tamil Nadu on edge as landfall started

In Tamil Nadu, the Chennai Meteorological Centre foresees moderate rainfall accompanied by light thunderstorms and lightning in ten districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, and Vellore.

The greater Chennai police on Tuesday issued a release in which it detailed about the people affected and the measures which have been taken to minimise the impact of the cyclone.  

According to the Regional Centre, "Light thunderstorms and lightning with moderate rain are very likely over Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Vellore, Tirupattur, Thiruvannamalai, Villupuram, and Kanyakumari districts of Tamil Nadu."

The IMD's update on social media detailed the storm's movement, stating, "Severe Cyclonic Storm Michaung over West-central Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards and is expected to cross south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam on December 5th."

Andhra Pradesh heavily affected by Michaung

Andhra Pradesh has also been put on alert, with districts like Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, and others warned about the impending impact. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy announced relief measures, appointing special officers for affected districts and allocating funds for rescue efforts.

Several Jharkhand districts affected

Jharkhand is expected to witness light to moderate rainfall until December 7 due to the cyclone's influence, as per the Meteorological Centre in Ranchi. Ranchi Meteorological Centre's Abhishek Anand stated, "There will be cloudy weather with light rainfall in southern and central parts of the state on December 5, while light to moderate rainfall may be experienced in many areas on December 6 and 7."

Odisha on alert

In Odisha, despite a lesser anticipated impact, the state government has dispatched rescue teams to southern districts. IMD's Director General, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, mentioned an expectation of light to moderate rainfall on Monday night, intensifying into heavy rain on Tuesday. IMD issued a yellow warning for heavy rain in specific locations across various districts on December 6.

Precautionary measures have been advised for fishermen along the Odisha coast, cautioning against venturing into the deep sea from December 4 to 6. Simultaneously, farmers have initiated crop harvesting as per government guidance.