Cyclone Michaung, initially a severe cyclonic storm, made landfall on the south coast of Andhra Pradesh, wreaking havoc and leaving a trail of destruction. The storm weakened into a depression as it crossed the coast, centered in Central Coastal Andhra Pradesh. Currently, it is positioned approximately 100 km north-northwest of Bapatla and 50 km southeast of Khammam.
Impact and Damages
The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) reported significant consequences, affecting nearly 40 lakh people in 194 villages and two towns. Michaung’s impact included the inundation of 25 villages, damage to 770 kilometers of roads, uprooting of 35 trees, and the unfortunate loss of three livestock.
Casualties and Incidents
While there were no human casualties reported on the day of the cyclone, subsequent incidents have been recorded. A four-year-old boy lost his life when a hut wall collapsed on him in Tirupati district on December 4. Another fatality was reported in Bapatla district, with the cause of death not directly attributed to the cyclone, according to Superintendent of Police Vakul Jindal.
Weather Forecast and Further Weakening
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a bulletin indicating that Cyclonic Storm Michaung has further weakened into a deep depression, situated around 100 km north-northwest of Bapatla and 50 km southeast of Khammam. The IMD predicts a continued weakening trend, with expectations for the storm to transform into a Well Marked Low Pressure area in the next 12 hours.
Appeal for Assistance
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking interim financial assistance of Rs 5,060 crore. This appeal is in response to the extensive damages caused by Cyclone Michaung in Chennai and its neighboring districts.
Ongoing Weather Conditions
The weather office forecasts up to eight inches of rain in the state over the next 24 hours. Coastal towns experienced tall waves as the cyclone approached, resulting in the submersion of entire villages and the suspension of transportation. More than 390,000 people have felt the impact of the cyclone in the region.
Important Questions Related to Exams
Q1: What was the initial status of Cyclone Michaung and where did it make landfall?
A1: Michaung started as a severe cyclonic storm and made landfall on the south Andhra Pradesh coast.
Q2: What is the current status of Michaung and where is it centered?
A2: Michaung has weakened into a depression, centered in Central Coastal Andhra Pradesh, around 100 km north-northwest of Bapatla.
Q3: What damages have been caused by the cyclone?
A3: The storm damaged 770 km of roads, uprooted 35 trees, and affected nearly 40 lakh people in 194 villages and two towns.
Q4: Are there any reported casualties?
A4: Yes, there have been casualties, including a tragic incident where a four-year-old boy died in Tirupati district due to a collapsed hut wall.
Q5: What is the forecast for Michaung in the coming hours?
A5: The India Meteorological Department predicts further weakening into a depression and subsequent transformation into a Well Marked Low Pressure area.
Q6: What financial assistance has been sought in response to the damages?
A6: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking Rs 5,060 crore in interim financial assistance.