Extensive agricultural damage in Andhra Pradesh following Tropical Cyclone “Michaung”

Tropical Cyclone “Michaung” made landfall in Andhra Pradesh, India on December 5, 2023, leading to widespread crop damage across several districts and significant flooding.

Cyclone Michaung, which crossed the coast near Bapatla on December 5, 2023, brought heavy rains and strong winds to Andhra Pradesh, causing extensive damage. The cyclone’s impact led to the inundation of low-lying areas and widespread destruction of standing crops.

Several villages in the cyclone-affected districts were isolated as roads became flooded due to overflowing lakes, tanks, and streams. In addition to the flooding, road connectivity was disrupted by fallen trees and electricity poles. Districts including Bapatla, Krishna, NTR, Guntur, Palnadu, Eluru, East Godavari, West Godavari, Alluri Sitharamaraju, Anakapalli, Nellore, and Tirupati were among the hardest hit.

Farmers faced significant losses, particularly in paddy, cotton, chili, and maize crops, which were ready for harvest.

Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy directed officials to focus on restoring normalcy in the affected areas and instructed officials to prioritize clearing water from inundated agricultural fields and to ensure the distribution of seeds on an 80 percent subsidy. Special attention was directed towards sanitation to prevent the spread of diseases.

In terms of financial support, Reddy urged district collectors and officials to be liberal in extending help to victim families. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 30 lakh for the family of a police constable from Kadapa who died during relief work.

Indian Air Force dropping food and supplies in flood affected areas in Chennai, India 🇮🇳 | 6 December 2023 | #ChennaiFloods #ChennaiRain #ChennaiFlood #ChennaiFloodReliefpic.twitter.com/WNjQ546Sll

— Disaster Tracker (@DisasterTrackHQ) December 6, 2023

Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, particularly in Chennai, the cyclone caused about 500 mm (20 inches) of rainfall in two days, leading to severe waterlogging and the closure of many roads and subways.

The Tamil Nadu Police reported eight fatalities due to the cyclone, including electrocution and rain-related incidents.

References:

¹ Cyclone Michaung Causes Widespread Crop Damage and Flooding in Andhra Pradesh; Paddy, Cotton Hit Massive Blow – TWC India

² Tropical Cyclone “Michaung” makes landfall in Andhra Pradesh, India – The Watchers – December 5, 2023

³ Record rainfall in Chennai as Michaung intensifies into severe cyclonic storm, causes major disruptions – The Watchers – December 4, 2023

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