Hyderabad, 4 December: Cyclone ‘Michong’ is expected to cause huge devastation in other states including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
The storm is expected to hit the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam on December 5. It is likely to give maximum sustained wind speed of 80-90 kmph with gusts up to 100 kmph.
It has been raining heavily in many parts of Jalalabad since this morning in both the Telugu speaking states and many trees have been uprooted in the districts of Coastal Andhra Pradesh. Some houses have also been damaged due to the strong wind. Eight districts of Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema and Kakinada, have been put on high alert.
The Meteorological Department estimates that the cyclone will take a more dangerous form for the next three days i.e. till December 7 and will calm down after that.
In view of Cyclone Michong, the authorities have taken appropriate measures along the coast of the state. People living in Coastal Andhra district are being asked to remain alert and not go out unless necessary. It has been raining continuously in Vijayawada since morning. Now in view of the impact of Cyclone Michong, the authorities have announced high alert. Andhra Pradesh government has directed to close all schools today.
Krishna District Officer said that the sea has risen up to 100 meters in Manginapudi beach. The authorities have stopped the traffic. Strong waves are arising due to the storm. Sea waves hitting the embankment at Koduru Basavanna Palam. He says that border areas like Nagayalanka, Koduru and Avanigadda are in danger zone.
NDRF has taken charge. In view of the threat of cyclonic storm, 18 teams of National Disaster Response Force have been deployed. 10 additional teams have been kept in reserve for Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Puducherry.
On the other hand, Andhra Pradesh government has appointed special officers for the cyclone affected districts. Special officers will ensure that there is no loss of life or property.
Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy held a video conference with 8 district collectors regarding the storm at the camp office in Tadepalli. Officials from various departments participated. All government systems should remain alert during the storm.
CM said that we have experience of seeing big storms like Hudhud. He said that our system has good experience in dealing with cyclones. Officials were instructed to remain alert about the storm and remain serious about the system.
He said that meteorological department officials are saying that it is likely to reach near Bapatla tomorrow evening. It is being said that there is a possibility of strong wind blowing up to 110 km per hour.
CM said that the funds have already been released to the District Magistrates. He said that orders have already been given to provide funds at the rate of Rs 2 crore to each district for emergency expenditure. Senior officers are appointed as special officers for each district.
The CM said that he will also monitor the relief efforts along with the district administration.
