Powerful Storm Threatens Southern and Eastern Coasts of India Amid Heavy Rains

India’s southern and eastern coastlines were battered on Monday by heavy rains and strong winds as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal evolved into a powerful storm, putting Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha on high alert. Tropical storm Michuang is expected to hit the southern coast on Tuesday with sustained winds of 90-100 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 110 kph, according to the Indian Meteorological Department.

IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated that the storm could potentially make landfall close to Bapatla in Andhra Pradesh state on Tuesday afternoon. Authorities in Andhra Pradesh closed schools and declared a public holiday in four districts in anticipation of the storm, while several districts in Odisha have experienced heavy rain.

Evacuations have been carried out in Andhra Pradesh, with nearly 2,000 people moved from coastal and low-lying villages and over 7,000 more instructed to relocate to safer areas. In Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, roads and cars were submerged, and parts of the city were flooded, leading to disruptions in train and flight services.

The state government has made preparations by deploying its own disaster response force and setting up nearly 5,000 relief camps in coastal areas. Tamil Nadu’s chief minister, M.K. Stalin, assured that authorities are deployed to vulnerable areas and urged the public to stay indoors until the storm subsides.