Tropical Cyclone “Michaung” makes landfall in Andhra Pradesh, India

After wreaking havoc in Chennai with torrential rains, Tropical Cyclone “Michaung” made landfall in Andhra Pradesh’s Bapatla on December 5, 2023. The cyclone, the first to hit the state’s coast since 2021, has caused significant disruptions, including eight fatalities in Chennai. Authorities are conducting rescue operations amid continued heavy rainfall in the region.

The severe cyclonic storm Michaung, originating from the Bay of Bengal, has made its landfall on the coast of Andhra Pradesh at Bapatla on December 5, 2023. This event marks the first major cyclone to strike the state’s coast since Cyclone Gulab in September 2021. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Michaung intensified into a severe cyclonic storm before its landfall.

Michaung’s impact has been felt strongly in both Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. In Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, the cyclone has been particularly devastating. The city has recorded about 500 mm (20 inches) of rainfall in just two days, significantly exceeding its average monthly rainfall. This has led to severe waterlogging, with many roads and subways closed.

The Tamil Nadu Police reported the tragic loss of eight lives in Chennai due to the cyclone. Among the deceased were individuals who were electrocuted, one killed by a falling tree, and others who died in rain-related incidents. The identities of some victims remain unknown.

In Andhra Pradesh, the landfall process began around 08:30 UTC on December 5, 2023, near Bapatla. SkyMet meteorologists described the storm as compact, expecting the landfall process to be completed within about two hours. Significant clouding was reported over the land with the eyewall clouds moving inland across regions like Ongole and Bapatla.

RADAR PICTURE OF 1322 HRS IST OF TODAY 5TH DEC -SEVERE CYCLONIC STORM “MICHAUNG” (PRONOUNCED AS MIGJAUM) OVER WESTCENTRAL BAY OF BENGAL ALONG AND OFF SOUTH ANDHRA PRADESH COAST LAY CENTERED AT 1230 HOURS IST OF 5TH DECEMBER ABOUT 20 KM EAST-NORTHEAST OF ONGOLE. pic.twitter.com/oEXw3F9hAg

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) December 5, 2023

The storm is expected to weaken following its landfall and take a northeastward turn, bringing heavy rains over Telangana and potentially affecting central and northern parts of Chhattisgarh and Odisha with intense rainfall activities. Improvements in weather conditions along the Andhra coast are anticipated approximately six hours post-landfall.

References:

¹ CYCLONE MICHAUNG BEGINS LANDFALL, ANDHRA COAST BRACES FOR INTENSE WEATHER – SkyMet Weather – December 5, 2023

² Cyclone Michaung Live: Landfall begins in Andhra Pradesh’s Bapatla amid heavy rain – India Today – December 5, 2023

Featured image: Tropical Cyclone “Michaung” at 08:00 UTC on December 5, 2023. Credit: EUMETSAT, Zoom Earth, The Watchers