Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
On Monday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the Cyclone Michaung has escalated into a severe cyclonic storm. Anticipated to make landfall by the forenoon of December 5, it is projected to impact the west-central Bay of Bengal, specifically the regions off south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts. Satellite images released by IMD, which were captured by rapid scans of ISRO's INSAT-3DR's, show the massive scale and intensity of the cyclone.
The meteorological satellite created by India Space Research Organisation (ISRO), INSAT-3DR, a crucial component of the Indian National Satellite System, is playing a pivotal role in monitoring Cyclone Michaung, providing essential data to forecasters and disaster management authorities.
Latest images from INSAT-3DR have showcased the cyclone's formidable eye wall and dense spiral bands of thunderstorms, indicating its strength as it approaches the coast.
The capabilities of INSAT-3DR, including its detailed imager, which provides various spectral bands, is helping meteorologists to analyse the cyclone's structure and predict its path more accurately. INSAT-3DR's rapid scan operations prove particularly useful for close monitoring of severe weather events, providing updates at shorter intervals.
The satellite's imagery has proved crucial in issuing timely alerts, enabling authorities to initiate evacuations and make necessary preparations.
With wind speeds exceeding 100 kilometres per hour and higher gusts, Cyclone Michaung is now classified as a severe storm, bringing heavy rains, strong winds, and potential flash floods to coastal regions of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
The IMD has issued a warning for extremely heavy rainfall in specific districts, including Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Tiruvallur, with a red alert indicating the likelihood of over 20 cm of rain.
As of Monday, Cyclone Michaung is expected to make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam, with Chennai experiencing significant rainfall and water-logging in several areas today.
In the face of robust winds and a relentless downpour, authorities have taken the decision to extend the closure of Chennai airport until 11:30 PM on Monday. Cyclone Michaung's impact has resulted in the disruption of numerous flights, with 10 flights cancelled and 20 flights experiencing delays due to the continuous heavy rainfall since midnight.
On December 5, schools, colleges, educational institutions, and government offices, encompassing the Offices of Public Undertakings/Corporations, Boards, Banks, and Financial Institutions will remain closed, in the districts of Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu. Tragically, two people have also lost their lives, and one person was injured after a wall collapse in Kanathur in Chennai.