The cyclone is approaching which Indian states?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that a cyclonic storm named 'Michaung' has formed over the Bay of Bengal. It is expected to move parallelly along north Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh coasts and is expected to make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam on 5th December 2023.
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai has said heavy rain and strong winds are expected over Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu districts until the night of 4th December 2023.
Puducherry and Tamil Nadu are warned about heavy to very heavy rainfall. Southern Odisha and Andhra Pradesh's coastal areas might also get a lot of rain. Rain is falling and is expected in many places.
What precautions are being taken?
The government is talking to states to help with relief and rescue when Cyclone Michaung hits. Many teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are going to Tamil Nadu (TN), Andhra Pradesh (AP), Odisha, and Puducherry.
All schools in Andhra Pradesh are closed today. In Tamil Nadu, four districts—Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, and Kancheepuram—have a holiday. The TN government has taken over 400 private marriage halls to accommodate families affected by the severe weather.
Food supplies are being prepared, and many trains are cancelled. India’s defence forces are also helping people. Control rooms are set up to watch the situation. Almost 7,000 people in eight coastal districts have been evacuated in Andhra Pradesh. More might be evacuated based on where the cyclone goes. These are some steps taken to help people.
What can be done to prepare for cyclones?
Before a cyclone comes, check your home. Ensure everything is secure, like tightening loose tiles and fixing doors and windows. Keep torches with batteries in case the power goes out. In an emergency, have some dry food that lasts a long time.
The government might ask you to evacuate if a strong storm is coming. They have safe places to go. Remember the way to get there. Also, get an emergency kit ready ahead of time. These are things you can do to stay safe.
Let's hope everyone in the states stays safe and doesn't get hurt.
