Cyclone Michaung: Depression to Intensify Into Cyclonic Storm Tomorrow; Heavy Rains in Andhra, TN

Heavy to very heavy rains are expected in the northern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and interior parts on December 3 as the depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

Chennai and its neighbouring districts witnessed sharp spells of rain late on Saturday.

Deputy director general of the Regional Meteorological Centre S Balachandran in Chennai said that heavy to very heavy rains are likely to occur over Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Tiruvallur, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Chengalpattu, Villupuram and Cuddalore districts in Tamil Nadu.

The cyclonic activity would lead the winds to blow at a speed of 80-90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph.

Following a forecast of heavy rains for the upcoming two days, Chief Minister M K Stalin said that ministers, MPs, MLAs and local body members should help the people in their  respective localities with essential needs.

Precautionary measures that would be undertaken was also reviewed with senior officials by Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena.

As per the IMD bulletin, the cyclone after hitting coastal Tamil Nadu is likely to move northwards, almost parallel and close to the south Andhra Pradesh coast, and cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam during the forenoon of Tuesday.

Due to cyclone Michaung, 118 long-distance trains from December 3 to 7 were cancelled by the South Central Railway.

Cancelled trains include about 40 between Chennai and other destinations and those passing through the metro, a release said on Saturday.

Since October 1, the region recorded 34 cm rainfall against the normal 36 cm during the north east Monsoon period, up till now, Balachandran said. During this time, Chennai recorded 62 cm against the normal rainfall of 67 cm.

Officials at the Chennai International Airport also reviewed the preparedness vis-a-vis Cyclone Michaung.

As per an official release quoted by news agency PTI, a meeting to evaluate the preparedness for handling the situation was chaired by Airport Director C V Deepak with concerned departments on Saturday.

A number of precautionary measures have been initiated in view of the weather forecast, which includes the setting up of a core team consisting of members from various departments. This team would closely monitor the situation and take necessary action as per the requirement.

Regular updates regarding the system would be taken from IMD and shared with all stakeholders for better preparation. The water level in Adyar river was also being monitored.

Engineering departments at the Airports Authority of India have been instructed to carry out regular checks and actions as per standard operating procedures in place like clearing of drains, gratings, stocking/arranging sufficient men and materials for meeting the contingency, among others, the release further stated.

“A Special Task Force of senior AAI officials is inspecting the airfield and terminal building regularly to ensure smooth operations in adverse conditions. The meeting followed up with operational area inspection. Airport Director advised all stake holders to be alert due wet runway conditions and changing visibility parameters,” it added.

(with agency inputs)