In a recent update from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a developing depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal is gaining strength, prompting concerns for coastal areas. As of 11 pm on December 1, the depression, located at Latitude 10.3°N and Longitude 85.3°E, is approximately 630 km east-southeast of Puducherry.
The system is moving west-northwestwards at a speed of 9 kmph and is expected to intensify into a Deep Depression within the next 12 hours. By December 3, it is projected to evolve into Cyclonic Storm ‘Michaung’ over the Southwest Bay of Bengal. The IMD forecasts indicate that the cyclonic disturbance will shift northwestwards, reaching the vicinity of south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts by the forenoon of December 4.
Anticipating a landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam during the forenoon of December 5, the Cyclonic Storm is expected to bring maximum sustained wind speeds of 80-90 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 100 kmph.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has already conducted a review meeting with district administration heads, emphasizing the potential impact of heavy rainfall on various districts over the next 2-3 days. Precautionary measures, including the evacuation of vulnerable areas, have been instructed.
The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), led by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, has also reviewed the preparedness of state governments and central ministries for the impending cyclone. Meteorological authorities have issued a comprehensive rainfall warning for southern and eastern India.
The forecast predicts light to moderate rainfall in North coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on December 2, escalating to heavy to very heavy rainfall from December 3 onwards. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are also expected to experience varying degrees of rainfall, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall in some regions.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay informed about the evolving situation, follow safety guidelines, and be prepared for adverse weather conditions. The IMD will continue to provide updates as the cyclonic system progresses.
