Cyclone Michaung to make landfall tomorrow; Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh gear up with all precautionary measures needed
The cyclone is expected to intensify before making landfall on December 5 afternoon, affecting both Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh.
Chennai: As cyclonic storm ‘Michaung’ advances towards the northern Tamil Nadu coast, the state government has announced comprehensive precautionary arrangements to mitigate potential risks and safeguard the well-being of residents. The cyclone is expected to intensify before making landfall on December 5 afternoon, affecting both Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh.
In an official release on Sunday, the government assured the public that it has taken proactive steps to address the impending situation. The deployment of disaster response force personnel in significant numbers, coupled with the readiness of relief centers, underscores the state’s commitment to managing the cyclone’s impact effectively.
The government revealed that 121 multipurpose centers and 4,967 relief camps, equipped with essential amenities, are prepared in northern and other coastal regions, including the Cauvery delta areas. Chennai alone has 162 relief centers, with one facility already accommodating 348 individuals. Additionally, 714 water pumps stand ready for use in low-lying areas.
The Tamil Nadu Disaster Response Force (TNDRF) has strategically positioned 14 teams, comprising 350 personnel, along with nine teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), totaling 225 personnel. These teams are stationed in coastal regions such as Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Kancheepuram, Chengalpet, and Chennai to facilitate relief and rescue operations.
With round-the-clock functionality, state and district-level emergency operation centers, supported by additional staff, are on standby to address any emerging challenges. The public can seek assistance through dedicated control room helplines at 1070 (state), 1077 (district), and 94458 69848 (WhatsApp).
Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management, KKSSR Ramachandran, and Electricity Minister Thangam Thennarasu conducted inspections to assess the state’s preparedness. Thennarasu emphasized the government’s readiness with a stock of over 3,00,000 electricity poles, 1,500 standby workers, and essential vehicles and machinery, including cranes.
As a precautionary measure, the government declared Monday (Dec 4) a public holiday in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts. Essential services, such as healthcare facilities and milk supply, will remain operational, although the railways have cancelled 118 trains.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Cyclone “Michaung” is currently situated about 250 km east of Puducherry and is likely to intensify before reaching the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and north Tamil Nadu. The government has advised residents to exercise caution, with specific warnings against approaching water bodies, taking selfies, and parking vehicles under trees.
As the cyclonic storm approaches, authorities are urging residents in vulnerable areas to move to cyclone shelters promptly. The Greater Chennai Corporation commissioner and district collectors have been instructed to oversee the relocation of people living in susceptible areas.
Ms Kalinga