Cyclone Michaung LIVE UPDATES: Landfall process complete, says IMD

With severe Cyclone Michaung, landfall has started near Bapatla on Andhra Pradesh coast after causing rain mayhem in Tamil Nadu. At least eight people have died in rain-related incidents in Chennai.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday directed officials to be on high alert for taking up relief measures.

In view of the heavy rain lashing Andhra Pradesh under the influence of the severe cyclonic storm, the state government issued an alert for eight districts -- Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema and Kakinada -- while the chief minister set several relief efforts in motion.

In a review meeting at his camp office, Reddy directed the officials to treat the storm as a major challenge to avoid loss of life and property as the winds are expected to blow gales reaching speeds of up to 110 kilometres per hour.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said "Severe Cyclonic Storm "MICHAUNG" over Westcentral Bay of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts moved northwards with a speed of 07 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centred at 0530 hours IST of today, the 5th December 2023 over Westcentral Bay of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh coast near Latitude14.9°N and Longitude 80.2°E, about 20 km east of Kavali, 50 km north-northeast of Nellore, 200 km north of Chennai, 110 km south-southwest of Bapatla and 170km south-southwest of Machilipatnam."

(With updates from ANI)

Cyclone Michaung LIVE UPDATES:

- "The Severe Cyclonic Storm "Michaung" over west-central Bay of Bengal along and off South Andhra Pradesh coast moved northwards with a speed of 10 kmph during past 06 hours and lay centred at 1330 hours IST of December 5, 2023, over Andhra Pradesh coast near latitude 15.65°N and longitude 80.25°E close to the south of Bapatla, about 30 km southwest of Bapatla. It is now crossing the coast with windspeed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph. The landfall process will be completed during the next 2 hours," IMD posted on X.

- Chennai Police officials distributed food items to people affected by waterlogging due to heavy rainfall in the wake of Cyclone Michaung.

VIDEO | Chennai Police officials distributing food items to people affected by waterlogging due to heavy rainfall in the wake of #CycloneMichaung. pic.twitter.com/SxC6kXsap5

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 5, 2023

- The Severe Cyclonic Storm “Michaung” over west-central Bay of Bengal along and off the South Andhra Pradesh coast moved northwards with a speed of 10 kmph during past 06 hours and lay centered at 1330 hours IST of 5th December over the Andhra Pradesh coast, close to south of Bapatla. It is now crossing the coast with windspeed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph. The landfall process will be completed during next 2 hours: IMD

The Severe Cyclonic Storm “Michaung” over westcentral Bay of Bengal along and off South Andhra Pradesh coast moved northwards with a speed of 10 kmph during past 06 hours and lay centered at 1330 hours IST of 5th December over Andhra Pradesh coast, close to south of Bapatla. It… pic.twitter.com/33hl4Iu5f6

— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2023

- According to officials, the Cyclone Michaung made landfall between Nellore and Kavali, with the remaining portion going towards the sea. They highlighted in a review meeting with Chief Minister YC Jagan Mohan Reddy that the Cyclone is predicted to traverse the coast and reach Chirala-Bapatla. Since the morning, the cyclone's effects have gradually lessened in the districts of Tirupati and Nellore. 

- Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh: TTD Chairman, Tirupati MLA Bhumana Karunakara Reddy and City Commissioner Haritha take stock of Pulavani Gunta and Gollavani Gunta areas which are inundated following rainfall.

December 5, 2023

- At least 8 people have lost their lives while multiple roads and subways are closed due to waterlogging in the wake of the Severe Cyclonic Storm 'Michaung', which is expected to make landfall on the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh between Nellore and Machilipatnam today."Traffic has been closed on Manjambakkam to Vadaperumbakkam Road due to the release of water from the Puzhal Lake," police said on Tuesday. The police further informed that 8 deaths have been reported so far in the state.

- IMD stated that Cyclone 'Michaung' is likely to cross south Andhra Pradesh during the forenoon of December 5 with a maximum wind speed of 90-100 Kmph.

December 3, 2023

- "As the system is nearly moving northwards close to the coast, some parts of the wall cloud region lie overland. The system is likely to move nearly northwards parallel and close to the south Andhra Pradesh coast and cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam, close to Bapatla during the 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 added.

- Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke on Monday to the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry over cyclone 'Michaung' and assured all possible support from the Central government. In separate telephonic conversations with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, the Home Minister took stock of the situation in these states about relief and rescue measures as well as other steps to ensure no loss of lives and minimise the damage from the impending cyclone.

- The Indian Railways, as part of its preparedness for cyclone-related disaster management, has set up an emergency control cell at the divisional/HQ level with officers from operating, commercial, engineering, electrical, signal/telecommunications, security, etc. branches in each shift to monitor around the clock and take necessary action in connection with train operations.

- Waterlogging visuals in Guduvancheri, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu following heavy rainfall in the region.

December 5, 2023

- Chennai city faces massive waterlogging triggered due to heavy rain in the state while the Koovam River rages as water from nearby lakes is released into it. The bridge in the Nerkundram area is surrounded by water overflowing from the Koovam River. Cyclone Michaung is likely to make landfall today on the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh between Nellore and Machilipatnam. As the cyclone moving away from Tamil Nadu, people were seen walking on the water-logged roads to buy essential things. 

(With inputs from ANI)