Cyclone Michaung wreaks havoc on Eastern Coast

From Section 144 being imposed in Puducherry to Chennai rains flooding the whole city and halting its usual movement, Cyclone Michaung is the new nightmare from the Bay of Bengal. The cyclone hit Tamil Nadu in the wee hours of December 4th, 2023 resulting in delayed flights and loss of connectivity, along with devastation in its wake.

Cyclone Michaung Warning for States: Tamil Nadu and Coastal Andhra Pradesh

IMD has issued a severe rain alert for Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

In the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, districts of Thiruvallur, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranippettai, Vellore, Thiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, and Thenkasi, the IMD issued a severe to very heavy rainfall warning on Sunday for Monday. 

According to the alert, Monday is expected to see gales of 90–100 kmph with gusts up to 110 kmph and heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. For Monday, there is an orange alert in the following areas: Palnadu and NTR in SCAP; Sri Sathya Sai and Nandyala in Rayalaseema district; Eluru, East Godavari, and Kakinada in North Coastal Andhra. 

A yellow alert has been issued on Monday for Alluri Sitharama Raju, Parvathipuram-Manyam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, and Anakapalle in NCAP, Anantapur, and Kurnool in Rayalaseema. Up to Wednesday, similar weather is probably in store for the entire state. 

The districts of Tirupati and Nellore were affected by the cyclonic storm on Sunday, as the greatest rainfall of 11 cm was reported in the rural mandals of Nellore and Doravarisatram in Tirupati.

There will be water logging in some locations, resulting in slick roadways, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai. 

Certain places may see an impact on traffic.

Cyclone Michaung Update: Live Tracking  and Chennai Rains

You can track the landfall of the Cyclone here:
Cyclonic Storm Michaung LIVE Tracker, Updates & Forecast | Zoom Earth

In the forenoon of December 5, the storm is expected to develop, move north-northwestward, and pass between Nellore and Machilipatnam near Bapatla.

As part of preparations for Cyclone Michaung, the Puducherry administration has enforced section 144 of the CrPC on Beach Road, restricting people’s movement.

Overnight, heavy rain fell in many locations. Up till 5:30 a.m. on Monday, Meenambakkam saw 20 cm of rain. Numerous other locations were also battered by torrential downpour, including Taramani (14 cm), Nungambakkam (15.4 cm), Anna University, Villivakkam (18 cm), and NIOT Pallikaranai (16 cm).

As Cyclone Michaung develops, severe flooding was seen in many districts of Chennai. Water is submerging Chennai’s Pantheon Road, and drivers are having difficulty navigating it. 

Why Michaung?

 According to the World Meteorological Organisation, many cyclones may be present at a single area at once. In order to prevent misunderstanding, a name is assigned to each tropical storm.

Myanmar proposed the name Michaung meaning “strength” or “resilience.”

Cyclone Michaung Preparation: How to stay safe? 

When facing the threat of a cyclone, preparation and quick, decisive actions can make all the difference in ensuring your safety and that of your loved ones. Here are practical and concise tips to guide you through the essential steps to stay secure during a cyclone. 

• Stay Informed:

1. 1. 1. Regularly check weather updates and warnings.
      2. Keep a battery-operated weather radio handy.

• Evacuation Plan:

1. 1. 1. Know your evacuation routes.
      2. Follow evacuation orders promptly.

• Secure Your Home:

1. 1. 1. Reinforce windows and doors.
      2. Tie down or store outdoor items.

• Emergency Kit:

1. 1. 1. Prepare a kit with water, non-perishable food, first aid, flashlight, and important documents.
      2. Ensure supplies for several days.

• Communication Plan:

1. 1. 1. Establish a contact plan with family and friends.
      2. Keep a charged mobile phone and consider alternative communication methods.

• Safe Shelter:

1. 1. 1. Identify the nearest storm shelter or evacuation center.
      2. If staying home, choose a safe room away from windows.

• Utilities and Services:

1. 1. 1. Turn off gas, water, and electricity if instructed.
      2. Unplug appliances to prevent damage.

• Emergency Contacts:

1. 1. 1. Maintain a list of local emergency contacts.

• First Aid:

1. 1. 1. Learn basic first aid techniques.
      2. Have a well-stocked first aid kit.

• Protective Gear:

1. 1. 1. Wear helmets and sturdy shoes during the storm.

• Stay Indoors:

1. 1. 1. Remain inside until authorities declare it safe.

• Follow Official Instructions:

1. 1. Adhere to instructions from local authorities without delay.

Cyclone Michaung Tamil Nadu Helplines

The TNSDMA recommended against staying on terraces because strong winds could dislodge asbestos and steel sheet roofs. Additionally, it cautioned against taking “selfies” close to hazardous areas and bodies of water. Additionally, it forbade parking cars beneath trees.

Helplines 1077 (district-level hotline), 94458 69848, and 1070 (State Emergency Operations Centre) could be called in an emergency. Additionally, it suggested that individuals stock up on food, water, milk, medicine, and other necessities to last them a few days. First aid supplies, matchboxes, batteries, emergency lights, and torchlights could also be stockpiled, according to the TNSDMA.

Evacuation and Relief efforts

Authorities in Andhra Pradesh have started to evacuate residents of coastal habitations that are low lying.

There are 57 Relief Camps in the Krishna district. According to Collector P. Raja Babu, 7,763 residents have been moved to the camps in Coastal mandals and about 1,814 individuals were evacuated.

The district collector of the NTR district declared December 4 and 5 holidays for all educational institutions due to the Cyclone alert that the Indian Meteorological Department had issued.

Cyclone Michaung: Travel and Transportation 

• Multiple locations in Chennai, including Adyar, Shastri Bhavan-Haddows Road, Thousand Lights-Kadhar Nawaskhan Road, Greams Road, Loyola College-Liba Gate, Egmore, T. Nagar, Kilpauk New Avadi Road, Korukupet Nagaappan Street, and Anna Nagar 3rd Avenue, have experienced uprooted trees.
• Cyclone Michaung, with a speed of 13 km/h and winds at 75 kmph, has resulted in heavy to extremely heavy rainfall since Sunday night, prompting the closure of several subways in Greater Chennai Police limits due to waterlogging.
• Affected subways include Saidapet Aranganathan, Gangureddy, Madley, Duraisamy, Rangarajapuram, Pazhavanthangal, Thillai Nagar, C.P. road, Villivakkam, Sembium, Ganesapuram, Vyasarpadi, Manickam Nagar.
• The closure of Manjambakkam to Vadaperumbakkam Road is attributed to water released from Puzhal Lake, while Thirumangalam 100 feet road diversion to Estate road to Park road is closed due to waterlogging.
• Ongoing collaborative efforts involving the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and the Highways Department aim to clear major waterlogged areas.
• Despite the challenges, bus services are continuing to run on the usual schedule from the evening of December 4, 2023.

Conclusion

From staying informed about weather updates to securing your home, having an emergency kit, and following official instructions, these actionable guidelines can help you navigate the challenges of a cyclone with resilience and readiness. Remember, staying informed and prepared is key to weathering the storm effectively.