Cyclone Michaung to make landfall near Bapatla tomorrow; 8 districts under alert

Amaravati: The approach of the Cyclonic storm Michaung has sounded alert for eight districts: Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema, and Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh.

The cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall near Bapatla on the morning of December 5, around 12 pm. The wind speed is anticipated to reach severe cyclonic levels, with a maximum sustained speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph during the forenoon of December 5.

Even after landfall, the storm is expected to continue till December 7, transforming into a deep depression before returning to normalcy.

For the next 24 hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and extremely heavy rainfall likely in Isolated places over North Coastal Andhra Pradesh (NCAP), Yanam and South Coastal Andhra Pradesh (SCAP).

Heavy rain is also anticipated in Isolated places across Rayalaseema. Gale winds with a speed of 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 kmph are likely to be witnessed over NCAP.

Morning gale winds with a speed of 95-105 kmph gusting to 115 kmph becoming 90-100 kmph gusting 110 kmph till noon and likely to decrease thereafter over SCAP.

Gale winds with speeds of 80-90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph becoming 60-70 kmph gusting 80 kmph likely to cover Rayalseema.

AP government prepares for impact

On Monday, chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy held a review meeting on preparedness. Each district collector has been allocated Rs 1 crore for each district and Rs 2 crores for Tirupati, and additional funds will be provided if required on war footing.

Special officers senior IAS officers will be deployed to districts from Monday to join relief efforts. The primary focus is on preventing loss of life for both humans and animals.

Utmost importance was asked to be given to safeguarding crops, especially during the Kharif harvest - paddy procurement. Significant quantities of crops up to 97,000 tonnes were collected on Sunday. Up to 6.5 lakh tonnes have been moved to safe storage locations. Moisture content/discontent of harvested crops should be carefully managed.

Relief camps set up

The CM has asked the authorities to focus on prompt collection of harvested grain with utmost importance given to farmers, emphasising diligent paddy procurement. Evacuation processes are in place with 181 relief camps set up across the eight affected districts.

As many as 5 NDRF and 5 SDRF teams have been deployed in the affected districts.

The CM asked to utilise the strength of the grama and volunteer system, including village clinics, RBKs, and Sachivalayam staff, ensuring the effective addressing of saving lives and damaged infrastructure by GS/VS.

Special officials will be overseeing facilities at relief camps, focusing on medical needs, food, and drinking water.

Assistance in case of flooding

After the cyclone has passed, while returning to their residences, financial assistance of Rs 2,500 for the family, and Rs 1000 as help will be given to individuals. Addressing the restoration of ration distribution, 25 kg of rice, pulses, palm oil, onions and potatoes should be distributed.

The CM has allocated Rs 10,000 to the most severely affected living in thatched houses/huts. He emphasised empathy from collectors and the efficient use of the volunteer system.