Andhra Pradesh Braces for Cyclonic Storm ‘Michaung’ as Heavy Rains Lash the Region
Andhra Pradesh is on high alert as heavy rains continue to lash parts of the state, signaling the approach of the cyclonic storm ‘Michaung.’ The state government has issued an alert for eight districts as the storm nears the southern coastal region before making landfall.
Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy held a review meeting to discuss relief efforts for the impending cyclone. An alert has been issued to the districts of Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema, and Kakinada.
The cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall near Bapatla on Tuesday, accompanied by winds reaching up to 100 km per hour, with gales expected to gust up to 110 kmph during Tuesday forenoon. The weather system is expected to persist until December 7, after which it will become a deep depression.
To assist with relief measures, the Chief Minister has sanctioned funds for the affected districts and deployed senior IAS officers as special officers to focus on preventing loss of life and safeguarding crops.
Evacuation of affected people is underway at 181 relief camps across the eight districts, with NDRF and SDRF teams deployed for assistance. The Chief Minister also emphasized the need to address medical, food, and drinking water needs of the evacuees, as well as providing financial assistance and distributing food rations.
The severe cyclonic storm is expected to intensify gradually and move northwards almost parallel and close to the south Andhra Pradesh coast before crossing between Nellore and Machilipatnam, close to Bapatla during forenoon of December 5.
Due to incessant rains, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has temporarily denied permission for devotees to take a holy bath at Sri Kapilathirtham waterfalls. Additionally, TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh has postponed his ‘Yuva Galam’ padayatra (political walkathon) in view of the inclement weather.
