Cyclone Michaung December 3 updates | Heavy rain predicted in A.P. and Odisha coast

The Cyclonic Storm Michaung over Southwest Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards with a speed of 13 kmph during past 06 hours and lay centered at 2330 hours IST of 3rd December, 2023 over the same region near Latitude 12.8°N and Longitude 81.6°E, about 210 km east-northeast of Puducherry, 150 km east-southeast of Chennai, 250 km southeast of Nellore, 360 km south-southeast of Bapatla and 380 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam. 

It is likely to continue to move north-northwestwards, intensify further and reach Westcentral Bay Of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamilnadu coasts by 4th December forenoon. Thereafter, it would move nearly northwards almost parallel and close to south Andhra Pradesh coast and cross South Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam during forenoon of 5th December as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph.

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

The Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai said there would be water logging in some areas, with slippery roads. 

Traffic may be affected in some areas. 

People on Sunday were advised not to venture to water bodies near VIT/Nedungundram Lake, as a crocodile was spotted near the lake late Sunday evening. 

The Forest Department has advised people not to go near the area. 

Forest Officials and DFO Chennai have been informed to take necessary action. 

Light to moderate rain at many places with thunderstorm and lightning at one or two places is likely to occur over north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal areas and over few places in south Tamil Nadu. 

Heavy to very heavy rain is likely to occur at a few places with extremely heavy rain at one or two places over Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur districts of Tamil Nadu. 

Heavy to very heavy rain likely to occur at one or two places over Ranipet, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram districts of Tamil Nadu. 

Heavy rain is likely to occur at one or two places over Cuddalore, Kallakurichi and Tirupattur districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

According to a IMD bulletin at 8.30 p.m., the cyclonic storm ‘Michaung’ over southwest Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards and lay centered at about 240 km east-northeast of Puducherry, 210 km east-southeast of Chennai, 330 km southeast of Nellore, 440 km south-southeast of Bapatla and 450 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam, as of 5.30 p.m. 

It is likely to continue to move north-northwestwards, intensify further and reach Westcentral Bay of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts by December 4 forenoon. 

It would then move nearly northwards almost parallel and close to south Andhra Pradesh coast and cross south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam during forenoon of December 5 as a severe cyclonic storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph.

The Public Health Department of the Greater Chennai Corporation will be conducting 70 medical camps tomorrow, December 4, across 200 divisions under 15 zones.

Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on December 3 directed Collectors of respective districts to take all possible steps to safeguard the lives and property of people as cyclone ‘Michaung’ is likely to cross the coast in the southern Andhra Pradesh. 

The Chief Minister held a review meeting on the cyclone threat at his camp office and gave directions to officials about the relief and rescue measures to be taken.

“All facilities including drinking water, food and necessary medicines should be provided in the relief camps,” said Mr. Reddy in a press release.

Further, he directed officials to restore damaged powerlines and transportation facilities in the affected areas, including ensuring proper sanitation at the relief camps.

He asked the officials to update him on a regular basis and scheduled another review meeting on Monday morning.

The CM directed the civil supplies department to make sure that paddy stocked in the fields does not get wet, and also to procure available paddy irrespective of its status.

He also directed the department to dispatch paddy stocks to rice mills or available warehouses at the earliest.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Centre here noted that the cyclonic storm is likely to move northwestwards and intensify.

The Tamil Nadu government has declared leave for schools and colleges in Villupuram district on December 4

In Chennai alone, 162 relief centres are ready and, in one such facility, 348 people have been housed. Also, 714 water pumps are ready for use in low-lying areas. 

The TN Disaster Response Force’s 14 teams, comprising 350 personnel and National Disaster Response Force’s nine teams of 225 personnel have been stationed in coastal regions of Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu and Chennai for relief and rescue operations.

The State and district-level emergency operation centres are functional round the clock with additional staff. For help, the control rooms may be contacted at 1070 (State), 1077 (district) and 94458 69848 (WhatsApp).

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on December 3 evening visited the State Emergency Operations Centre at Ezhilagam complex in Chennai to review the precautionary measures underway, in view of the cyclonic storm Michaung. 

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Stalin elaborated on the precautionary measures being taken in coastal districts. Over 2.44 crore people in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Villupuram and Cuddalore districts have been sent alert messages through SMS.

“685 individuals have been evacuated to 11 relief camps in Chengalpattu, Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts,” Mr. Stalin said. Thanking elected representatives and officials involved in relief operations since past three days, Mr. Stalin requested their participation in the next two days too.

Asked about a criticism by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Mr. Stalin said: “I don’t want to discuss politics. Firstly, people have to be protected. We are involved in protecting the people. I have come here to discuss those issues and not willing to reply to all the statement he might make.”

Replying to a query about desilting in waterways and clearing up storm water drains, the Chief Minister said, “They are underway. We have constructed new and there might be blocks in old ones as well. They are [clearing them up] underway. In Chennai, over 1,000 motors have been kept ready in all necessary areas should there be any water stagnation, he said.

When asked whether any assistance from the Union government would be sought should there be any necessity, Mr. Stalin replied in the affirmative. Minister for Municipal Administration and Water Supply K.N. Nehru, Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran, Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena and senior officials were also present. -- The Hindu Bureau

One day holiday has been declared for all schools and colleges in Ranipet district tomorrow (December 4), on account of Cyclone Michaung.

Greater Chennai Corporation on Sunday, has advised residents along the coastal zones and residents in low-lying areas to shift to safer locations including the 162 relief shelters of the civic body.

In view of the cyclonic storm Michaung, the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority (TNSDMA) on Sunday, December 3, 2023 issued an advisory warning people against stepping out unnecessarily or in terraces. It also requested those living in low-lying areas to evacuate to relief camps on the advice of the district and local administration. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy to take stock of the preparations to handle Cyclone Michaung and assured him of all help.

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Senior Ministers of the Tamil Nadu government visited various parts of Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts on Sunday, where they reviewed precautionary measures being undertaken by various government agencies, in view of the cyclonic storm Michaung.

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Citing the prediction of very heavy rainfall and strong winds in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu districts, Tamil Nadu government has declared a public holiday in these four districts tomorrow (December 4).

The release of water from Chembarambakkam reservoir has been increased from 1,500 cusecs to 3,000 cusecs at 1.30 p.m. today (December 3) as the inflow is around 2,800 cusecs. The water level stands at 20.74 feet as against 24 feet. 

The Regional Meteorological Centre at Chennai has predicted extremely heavy rain in Tiruvallur, Ranipet and Kancheepuram districts of Tamil Nadu tomorrow (December 4).

The Regional Meteorological Centre at Chennai has predicted extremely heavy rain at Tiruvallur district in Tamil Nadu today (December 3).

In view of Cyclone Michaung, heavy rainfall alert has been issued for three districts in Tamil Nadu — Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, for Sunday (December 3).Similarly, the heavy rainfall alert has been issued for four districts in Tamil Nadu — Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram for Monday (December 4).

Control rooms with phone numbers have been set up in Visakhapatnam. People can dial 0891-2590102, 2869106 or 2590100, 180042500009 and 9390125477 (for fishermen).

The Eastern Naval Command stated that it is closely monitoring Cyclone Michaung and is ready for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) for any emergencies, across Andhra Pradesh. - The Hindu Bureau

The Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority has listed a few safety measures to reduce the chances of being struck by lightning. Further, it has advised several measures to be taken if someone is hit by lightning. Photo Credit: X/@tnsdma

The Cyclonic Storm “MICHAUNG” over Southwest Bay of Bengal moved northwestwards with a speed of 5 kmph. It is likely to continue to move northwestwards, intensify further and reach Westcentral Bay Of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamilnadu coasts by 4th December forenoon.

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has asked Ministers, MLAs, local body representatives, district secretaries of the DMK, and other party functionaries to extend support to help people meet their essential needs. The Chief Minister took to X, formerly Twitter, with essential helpline numbers also.

State Disaster Management Authority: 1070

District Emergency Control: 1077

Whatsapp helpline: 9445869848

Greater Chennai Corporation: 1913

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For years, number of studies have reported trends in various climate variables over the Indian subcontinent. Though the period over which these increasing/decreasing trends have been estimated vary, global warming has always been invoked as the prime suspect. Not only trends, even shifts and decadal cycles matter a lot. For, they portend important differences in the way we plan the use of our resources, including water, crops, energy, etc. 

Don’t worry about jargons, we are here to help you:

On December 4, Chennai and its neighbouring districts and other places such as Vellore and Tirupattur may receive very heavy rains. Kallakurichi and Villupuram districts have chances of heavy rains. Chennai has possibility of getting heavy to very heavy rains on both the days.Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, and Kancheepuram districts have declared holidays for schools and colleges on December 4.

The University of Madras has rescheduled theory examinations of UG/PG/professional degree courses on Monday due to heavy rains forecasted. Anna University too has also postponed distance education programme examinations scheduled on Sunday and Monday. - The Hindu Bureau

Odisha government has put all the coastal and southern district Collectors on alert and cancelled the leave of field workers under the Agriculture Department. The East Coast Railways (ECoR) has cancelled the running of 54 trains in its jurisdiction in view of the rain and wind. The fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea till further notice as the sea condition will remain rough to very rough.

The IMD said that squally wind speed reaching 35-45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph is likely from December 4 evening along and off Odisha coast (Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, and Jagatsinghpur), and gradually increase becoming 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph from December 5 evening for subsequent 12 hours. It would gradually decrease thereafter. 

Also, strong surface wind speed reaching 30-40 kmph gusting to 50 kmph is likely over Malkangiri, Koraput and Rayagada districts on December 5. “All ports in Odisha have been asked to hoist distant cautionary signal I,” the IMD said. - PTI

Odisha will experience light to moderate rainfall at most places with isolated heavy rainfall is likely over south coastal and adjoining south interior Odisha between December 4 and December 6 with isolated very heavy rainfall over the same region on December 5.

“Rain may resume in Odisha on December 3 with its intensity increasing in the next three days,” an official at the Regional Metrological Centre, Bhubaneswar said, adding that light to moderate rain and thunder-shower may occur at a few places in Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapti, Ganjam at one or two places in districts of coastal Odisha, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi and Kandhamal on Sunday. - PTI

In May 2022, satellite images showed a pair of cyclones in the Indian Ocean region, one in the northern hemisphere and one in the southern hemisphere. They were named cyclone Asani and Karim respectively, these were twin cyclones originating in the same longitude and now drifting apart. Twin cyclones are not really rare. The interplay of the wind and the monsoon system combined with the Earth system produces these synchronous cyclones.

​Read the full story here:​

Some cyclones in the North Indian Ocean have had both positive and negative impacts on the onset of the monsoon. Since the circulation of winds around the cyclones is in the anticlockwise direction, the location of the cyclone is critical as far as the cyclone’s impact on the transition of the monsoon trough is concerned. (The monsoon trough is a low-pressure region that is a characteristic feature of the monsoons.) For example, if a cyclone lies further north in the Bay of Bengal, the back-winds blowing from the southwest to the northeast can pull the monsoon trough forward, and assist in the monsoon’s onset.

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Sandeep Rai Rathore, Commissioner of Police, Chennai, visits Rajarathinam Stadium in Egmore and reviews preparedness to tackle the impact of the cyclone ‘Michaung’, in Egmore. Photo Credit: ANI

A total of 23,000 employees are actively working in Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) limits, and an additional 2,000 employees, 16,000 night shift workers, and 100 personnel of the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority and 25 from the National Disaster Response Force are on standby. Relief centres have been established with food preparation centres advised to be ready for public assistance.

India Meteorological Department said the cyclone Michaung will make landfall on December 5 in coastal Andhra.”Cyclone Michaung, brewing over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to skip the city and make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam with winds that could pack speeds of up to 100 kmph on Tuesday morning,” IMD said.

The IMD has issued a cyclone alert for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining North Tamil Nadu coasts for the next 12 hours. The release further stated that the cyclonic storm will cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast during the December 5 forenoon with a maximum sustained speed of 80-90 kmph to 100 kmph.

Following the IMD’s cyclone warning in Bay of Bengal, local cautionary Signal Number III has been hoisted in Chennai, Cuddalore and Ennore ports to alert people. - ANI

The India Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall warning for Chennai and its adjoining Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur districts for the next 24 hours. This region is popularly known as the KTCC belt.

According to the IMD data, Chennai Nungambakkam has recorded 5.88 cm rainfall in the last 24 hours while Chennai Meenambakkam has recorded 7.12 cm rainfall. 

As per the Met Department’s update at 8.30 am, the deep depression over Southwest Bay of Bengal intensified into Michaung at 5.30 hours.

In view of cyclone Michaung, South Central Railway has cancelled 144 trains, including 118 long-distance trains to several parts of the country. 

The cancelled 144 trains were scheduled to operate between December 3 and 7. Trains running in various routes, including Tamil Nadu, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Howrah, Lucknow, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, Puducherry and others were cancelled, the SCR officials said in a release on Saturday. 

The trains cancelled include Vijayawada Janshatabdi (train no. 12077 and 12078), operated from MGR Chennai Central Station, Nizamuddin Chennai Duronto (train no. 12269 and 12270), Gaya Chennai Express (train no. 12389 and 12390) and Barauni - Coimbatore Special (train no. 3357 and 3358). 

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are gearing up to handle the impending threat from cyclonic storm Michaung.

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The World Meteorological Organisation says there can be more than one cyclone at a time in one particular location. Thus, each tropical storm is given a name to avoid confusion.

The name Michaung was suggested by Myanmar and it means strength or resilience.