In anticipation of the impending cyclonic storm 'Michaung,' the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'red' alert for certain districts in Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra Pradesh. The cyclone is expected to make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam during the forenoon of Tuesday.

The IMD predicts extremely heavy rainfall for West Godavari, Konaseema, Nellore, Prakasam, Krishna, Bapatla, Guntur, Tirupati, Chittoor, Annamayya, and YSR Kadapa districts, starting from Monday noon. Already, the cyclone has triggered heavy to very heavy rainfall and squally winds in parts of Rayalaseema and south coastal Andhra Pradesh, leading to waterlogging in areas of Tirupati and Nellore.

As a precautionary measure, the Andhra Pradesh government has declared a holiday for schools on Monday. Reports indicate that the strong winds accompanying the cyclone have uprooted trees in Tirupati and Chittoor districts.

Cyclone Michaung is the fourth tropical cyclone of the year over the Bay of Bengal and is set to be the first storm to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast since cyclone Gulab in September 2021. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has positioned teams in the affected districts, while the Coast Guard, Army, and Navy, along with their respective rescue and relief teams, stand ready on standby.

With a maximum sustained wind speed of 80-90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph, the cyclone is expected to cross the coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam during the forenoon of December 5.

In response, the Andhra Pradesh government has declared a holiday for schools on December 4 and 5 in the cyclone-affected districts and canceled the Spandana program on Monday. Residents in the affected region are advised to stay at home, and the police department has been instructed to remain vigilant and offer necessary assistance to the public.

The looming cyclone adds a significant concern for paddy farmers in parts of the state, as their crops are ready for harvest. The situation remains dynamic, and authorities are closely monitoring developments to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population. 

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