Severe cyclonic storm Michaung, having made landfall near Bapatla in Andhra Pradesh, unleashed torrential rains, causing widespread destruction in six coastal districts. The powerful winds, ranging from 90 kmph to 110 kmph, battered the coastline, leading to expectations of gradual weakening, according to state cyclone warning center officials.

Chittoor, Nellore, Prakasam, Guntur, Bapatla, and Krishna districts experienced very heavy rainfall, with warnings of continued heavy rains across coastal and Rayalaseema regions in the next 24 hours. West Godavari and Konaseema districts also faced substantial rainfall. The cyclone resulted in uprooted trees and electric poles in coastal regions, causing significant damage to standing crops, with thousands of acres affected, as reported by Agriculture Department officials.

Relief teams are actively clearing the debris, and the state government deployed 50 special teams in Bapatla to initiate cyclone relief measures. Preventive measures include relocating over 1,350 people from low-lying areas to 27 relief camps in Bapatla district alone. District collector P Ranjit Bhasha instructed officials to assess the severe impact on 111 villages, while the agriculture department undertakes field visits to evaluate crop damage.

The sea turned turbulent in Suryalanka, Guntur district, with 2-metre-high waves hitting the coast. Reports indicate a surge in the sea by a few meters in coastal areas like Bapatla, Repalle, and Nizampatnam. Tragically, a police constable lost his life in the Kadapa district when an uprooted tree fell on him while he was commuting to work on his motorcycle.

Also Read: Cyclone Michaung Landfall In Chennai, Landfall Process Continued For 3 Hours, Over 9000 Evacuated….

Extensive damage to agriculture and horticulture crops was reported in several districts, with Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy holding a review meeting and directing officials to prioritize the safety of lives and minimize property damage. Relief operations, including the procurement of 97,000 tonnes of paddy and setting up 181 relief camps, were initiated, and financial aid and essential supplies were designated for affected families. In transportation, the South Central Railway announced the cancellation and diversion of trains, and air traffic in Visakhapatnam was halted due to heavy rains. The state government has deployed NDRF and SDRF teams and is actively engaged in restoration efforts and compensating affected families and individuals.