Heavy rains cause devastation as storm Michaung hits India’s southeast coast

Heavy rains cause devastation as storm Michaung hits India’s southeast coast

Heavy rains and a powerful storm named Michaung have caused devastation along India’s southeast coast, resulting in at least 12 deaths before the storm made landfall. With torrential rains and strong winds, the storm has wreaked havoc, triggering accidents, collapsing walls, uprooting trees, and submerging roads in knee-deep waters. The states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have been severely affected, with schools being shut down, thousands of people being evacuated, and relief camps being set up in coastal areas. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a high alert for heavy showers in the next 24 hours, emphasizing the urgent need for preparation and caution in the face of changing climate patterns and the increasing intensity of cyclones.

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Heavy rains cause devastation as storm Michaung hits India’s southeast coast

The southeast coast of India has been hit by a devastating storm named Michaung, which has brought heavy rains and strong winds, resulting in significant damages and loss of life. The storm, which made landfall in Andhra Pradesh state, has also affected the states of Tamil Nadu and Odisha. In this article, we will explore the impact of the storm on these states, the evacuation and safety measures that have been taken, as well as the relief efforts being carried out. We will also discuss the issue of climate change and its role in the increasing intensity of cyclones in India. Finally, we will look at the history of previous cyclones in the country and emphasize the importance of adapting to changing climate patterns.

Introduction

Before storm Michaung made landfall, heavy rains had already caused the death of at least 12 people along India’s southeast coast. The Indian Meteorological Department had issued a forecast for the storm, warning of maximum sustained winds of 90-100 kph (56-62 mph) and gusts up to 110 kph (68 mph). The department also predicted that the storm would weaken over the next few hours. Authorities were on high alert for heavy showers in the next 24 hours.

Impact of the storm on Andhra Pradesh state

Andhra Pradesh state experienced the direct impact of the storm as it made landfall near Ongole district. The state witnessed maximum sustained winds and gusts, causing widespread damage. However, the storm is expected to weaken in the coming hours. The authorities have also issued an alert for heavy showers in the next 24 hours, indicating the ongoing threat posed by the storm.

Impact of the storm on Tamil Nadu state

Tamil Nadu state, which was already experiencing heavy rains before the storm, has been severely affected by Michaung. The continuous downpours led to accidents and resulted in at least 12 deaths across vulnerable districts. In the capital city of Chennai, the storm’s outer reaches caused walls to collapse, trees to uproot, and roads to be submerged in knee-deep waters. The city’s airport was temporarily closed due to the flooding but has since reopened. However, many parts of the city remain flooded. Other parts of Tamil Nadu have also experienced heavy rains, adding to the overall impact of the storm.

Impact of the storm on Odisha state

Odisha state, located in the eastern part of India, has also witnessed pounding rains due to the storm. However, there have been no immediate reports of deaths or severe damage in the state. The situation is being closely monitored, and further updates will be provided as necessary.

Evacuation and safety measures taken in Andhra Pradesh

In anticipation of the storm’s impact, the authorities in Andhra Pradesh took prompt action to ensure the safety of the residents. Schools were closed, and more than 9,000 people were evacuated from coastal and low-lying areas. Rainfall measurements were carried out, and it was observed that some areas received as much as 390 millimeters (15.4 inches) of rain before the storm made landfall. The strong winds caused damage to trees and crops. The Indian Meteorological Department has forecasted ongoing rains in the coming days, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and preparedness.

Relief efforts in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has seen a significant response in terms of relief efforts. Thousands of relief camps have been set up in coastal areas to provide shelter and assistance to affected residents. The National Disaster Response Force, along with other agencies, has been conducting rescue operations, evacuating hundreds of people stranded on roads and inside flooded homes. A public holiday has been declared in the districts affected by the storm, emphasizing the importance of residents staying indoors for their safety.

Climate change and increasing intensity of cyclones in India

The increasing frequency and intensity of cyclones in India can be attributed to climate change. As global temperatures rise, so does the sea surface temperature, providing favorable conditions for the formation and intensification of cyclones. It is essential for India and other nations to recognize this connection and take greater urgency in preparing for natural disasters. This includes developing robust early warning systems, improving infrastructure resilience, and promoting sustainable development practices to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

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Previous cyclones in India

Cyclone Biparjoy, which hit the shores of western India and southern Pakistan in June, serves as a recent reminder of the vulnerability of India’s coasts to such events. The heavy rains associated with Cyclone Biparjoy led to evacuations and disruptions in both countries, highlighting the need for preparedness and effective response. India has a history of cyclones hitting its coasts, and it is crucial to learn from these experiences to strengthen future disaster management strategies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the impact of storm Michaung on India’s southeast coast has been devastating, resulting in loss of life and significant damages. The states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha have all been affected by heavy rains and strong winds. Evacuation and safety measures have been taken in Andhra Pradesh, while relief efforts are underway in Tamil Nadu. The increasing intensity of cyclones in India calls for a greater recognition of the connection between climate change and natural disasters. It is crucial for India to adapt to changing climate patterns and prioritize preparation and response to mitigate the impacts of future cyclones.

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