Cyclone Michaung Gears Up for Andhra Landfall; Heavy Rains Lash Tamil Nadu

Cyclone Michaung, now over the Bay of Bengal, is steadily moving towards the Andhra coast, bringing with it torrential rains in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The IMD's latest bulletin positions the cyclone about 210 km east-northeast of Puducherry and 150 km east-southeast of Chennai.

North coastal Tamil Nadu, especially the districts of Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Nagapattinam, and Cuddalore, are currently witnessing heavy rainfall, with Thiruvallur district experiencing the most severe downpour. Chennai city is grappling with waterlogging, as most parts of the city are submerged, particularly the low-lying areas.

As per the IMD's forecast, Cyclone Michaung is expected to make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam by tomorrow afternoon.

The cyclone is predicted to move north-northwestwards and intensify further, reaching Westcentral Bay Of Bengal off the south Andhra Pradesh and north Tamil Nadu coasts.

Following this trajectory, it is likely to cross the South Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam on the morning of December 5th as a Severe Cyclonic Storm, with winds speed ranging from 90-100 kmph, and gusts up to 110 kmph.

The city of Chennai and its adjacent districts have reported substantial rainfall overnight. Meenambakkam recorded 196 mm and Nungambakkam received 154.3 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours.


Owing to this situation, all schools, colleges, and government offices in Chennai and three adjoining districts will remain closed today. The state government has advised private firms to allow their employees to work from home.

In anticipation of the cyclone's landfall, authorities have established nearly 5,000 relief centres across coastal districts to provide assistance to those affected by the heavy rainfall.

Chief Minister MK Stalin reviewed the safety measures last night and is closely monitoring the situation. Additionally, as a safety measure, the power supply in most parts of Chennai has been cut off. - TWL Bureau