The Odisha government has issued alerts in seven coastal districts as a low-pressure area over the South Andaman Sea shows signs of intensifying into Cyclone ‘Michaung.’ The system is expected to move in a west-northwest direction, gradually strengthening into a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal by November 30. Anticipated to evolve into Cyclonic Storm ‘Michaung’ over the Southwest and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal within the next 48 hours, the cyclone is predicted to cross the Andhra-Odisha coasts on December 5.
Special Relief Commissioner Satyabrata Sahoo has directed collectors in Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam districts to be on alert. The advisory includes precautionary measures for fishermen, urging them not to venture into the sea from the morning of December 1. Those already at sea are advised to return by that date.
The Fisheries and Animal Resources Department will play a crucial role in disseminating warning and alert messages to fishermen, as well as maintaining regular communication with boats in the sea. Authorities are taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of residents in vulnerable areas.
As the cyclone approaches, the weather department predicts light to moderate rains and thundershowers in specific areas, including Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, and Jagatsinghpur, on December 5. Preparedness measures are being implemented to mitigate potential risks and safeguard communities in the cyclone’s path
