Cyclone Michaung facts for kids
Cyclone Michaung on 4 December
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| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1 December 2023 |
| Dissipated | 6 December 2023 |
| Unknown strength tropical cyclone | |
| 3-minute sustained (IMD) | |
| Highest winds | 100 km/h (65 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 988 hPa (mbar); 29.18 inHg |
| Tropical storm | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
| Highest winds | 110 km/h (70 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 988 hPa (mbar); 29.18 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 17 |
| Areas affected | India (particularly in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh) |
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Part of the 2023 North Indian Ocean cyclone season |
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Severe Cyclonic Storm Michaung was a strong tropical cyclone that formed over the Bay of Bengal off the south-eastern coast of India. It originated as a low-pressure area in the Gulf of Thailand and crossed into the Bay of Bengal which became a deep depression on December 2. It developed into a cyclonic storm thereafter and was named Michaung. The cyclone gradually moved north-west over the next few days towards the east coast of India. The storm sustained winds of up to 110 kilometres per hour (68 mph) and caused heavy rainfall in north-eastern Tamil Nadu, including the city of Chennai, and south-eastern Andhra Pradesh. It then made landfall near Bapatla in Andhra Pradesh on December 5.
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Etymology
It was the ninth depression and the sixth named cyclonic storm of the season. It was named Michaung by Myanmar meaning 'strength and resilience' in Burmese. It is pronounced as 'Migjaum'.
Meteorological history
In late November 2023, a low-pressure area crossed into the Bay of Bengal from the Gulf of Thailand. On December 1, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that a depression that had formed in the South Andaman Sea, was expected to move towards the northwest and strengthen in the Bay of Bengal. On December 2, the system intensified into a deep depression located about 440 kilometres (270 mi) east-southeast of Puducherry. Thereafter, it intensified into a cyclonic storm, and was assigned the name Michaung by Myanmar.
On December 4, cyclone Michaung reached peak intensity as it approached the coast of Tamil Nadu with winds of 110 kilometres per hour (68 mph), equivalent to a high-end tropical storm on the Saffir–Simpson scale. Michaung moved almost directly northward along the coast. On December 5, the storm made landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh, weakening as it moved inland. By December 6, the storm had weakened to a depression over central Andhra Pradesh.
Meteorological data
As per IMD reports, INSAT-3D satellite imagery on December 5 indicated a cloud mass with broken low to medium clouds and intense convection extending over west-central Bay of Bengal and the coastal region of Andhra Pradesh, spanning from latitude 13.5°N to 17.5°N and longitude 80.0E to 82.5E. The minimum cloud top temperature was recorded at −90 °C (−130 °F). Coastal surface observations from various locations on the coast indicated a maximum wind speed of 60 knots (110 km/h; 69 mph) and a minimum sea level pressure of 988 hectopascals (14.33 psi). Nungambakkam in Chennai recorded the maximum rainfall of 53 centimetres (21 in) in the three day period between December 2 and 4.
Preparation
As the storm approached the east coast of India, India's meteorological department issued a red alert for the region. In Tamil Nadu, over 500 personnel of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Tamil Nadu Disaster Response Force (TNDRF) was deployed. 121 multi-purpose centers and 4,967 relief centers were set up in the eight coastal districts of Tamil Nadu to help in the aftermath of the cyclone. In Andhra Pradesh, 181 relief camps were set up across the eight districts, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and AP State Disaster Response Force (APSDRF) deploying five teams each to assist in the affected areas. Southern districts of Odisha were also to receive heavy rainfall due to the cyclone, and the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force were deployed to assist local authorities.
Impact
Heavy rain and strong winds battered the coastal areas. Persistent rains caused widespread flooding and inundation in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. Rivers including Cooum and major lakes overflowed in Chennai causing further water logging in the low lying areas along the banks. At least 17 people were killed, and more than 41,000 people were evacuated and temporarily relocated, including 32,158 in Tamil Nadu and 9,500 in Andhra Pradesh. Power supply was cut off by the government in flooded areas in Chennai as a preventive measure to avert electrocution.
Chennai International Airport closed its operations on December 4 due to flooding in the apron and runways, with flights being diverted or cancelled and operations resuming the next day. Schools and offices were closed due to heavy rains and flooding. Southern Railways and East Coast Railways re-directed and cancelled several trains. Several businesses and industries in Chennai were impacted adversely as operations were ceased due to power shortage, flooding and damage to equipment. In Andhra Pradesh, crop damage and losses were reported due to the flooding of fields.
Relief efforts
The Indian Air Force air dropped more than 2,300 kilograms (5,100 lb) of food packets and relief supplies in affected areas of Chennai, while the Indian Navy, in collaboration with the Indian Army and National Disaster Response Force, was tasked with rescuing people and providing supplies using inflatable boats. Greater Chennai Corporation pressed more workers for flood recovery and aiding stranded people while citing staff crunch for delays in clearing fallen trees and garbage. Volunteers engaged in distributing food packets, milk, water bottles and rescuing stranded people through boats in the inundated areas.
See also
- Weather of 2023
- Tropical cyclones in 2023
- 2015 South Indian floods
