Officials have reported that the southern districts of Odisha are on high alert due to the expected increase in rainfall caused by severe cyclone Michaung, which made landfall in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. The storm arrived in the afternoon near Bapatla, between Nellore and Machilipatnam, with sustained wind speeds of 90-100 kmph and gusts reaching up to 110 kmph. So far, there has been light rainfall in the Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kalahandi districts of Odisha. However, the intensity of the rain is expected to escalate overnight.

Photo:Cyclone Michaung: Rains likely to Intensify

^{Photo: PTI}

Michaung damages infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh

According to a report by PTI, the powerful cyclonic storm Michaung made landfall near Bapatla on the Andhra Pradesh coast on Tuesday. However, it has now weakened into a cyclonic storm and is predicted to gradually subside into a deep depression within the next six hours, as confirmed by an official.

The aftermath of the storm has been devastating, with 770 kilometres of roads damaged, 35 trees uprooted, and three livestock casualties, among other losses.

On Monday, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah engaged in discussions with the chief ministers of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry to address the challenges brought about by Cyclone Michaung. During the meeting, he assured them of the central government's full support and comprehensive assistance in tackling the situation.

(With Input from PTI)