Cyclone 'Michaung' Threatens Odisha Farmers, Precautions Underway as IMD Issues Alerts

Farmers in five southern districts of Odisha, namely Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, and Ganjam, are on high alert as the cyclonic storm 'Michaung' looms over the Bay of Bengal. According to the latest update from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Monday, potentially impacting the agricultural landscape of the region.

The IMD has issued a Yellow Warning, signaling residents to stay updated, forecasting 7 cm to 11 cm of rainfall in the alerted districts on Monday. Furthermore, an orange warning indicates an anticipated increase in the intensity of rain on December 5, urging residents and farmers to take necessary precautions.

As of Monday morning, 'Michaung' is positioned about 110 km east-northeast of Chennai, 190 km southeast of Nellore, 210 km northeast of Puducherry, 310 km south-southeast of Bapatla, and 330 km southeast of Machilipatnam. The storm is projected to move north-northwestwards, likely intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm. The IMD predicts that it will make landfall along the south Andhra Pradesh coast, crossing between Nellore and Machilipatnam, close to Bapatla, on December 5, with sustained windspeeds of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph.

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In addition to heavy rainfall warnings for December 5 and 6 in several districts, the IMD has also cautioned about squally winds along the Odisha coast, gradually increasing in speed. Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, and Jagatsinghpur are expected to experience wind speeds reaching 35-45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph from December 4 evening. This is likely to escalate to 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, from December 5 evening for the subsequent 12 hours.

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Farmers in Malkangiri, Koraput, and Rayagada districts are advised to brace for strong surface winds reaching 30-40 kmph, gusting to 50 kmph on December 5, as per the IMD alert.

As a precautionary measure, fishermen have been strongly advised against venturing into the deep sea along and off the Odisha coast from December 4 to 6.

Simultaneously, farmers in the region have begun harvesting their standing mature crops in adherence to the state government's advisory. This proactive approach aims to minimize potential losses and ensure the safety of both the farmers and their agricultural produce in the face of the approaching cyclone.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and adherence to safety guidelines, particularly among the farming community that forms the backbone of the region's economy.

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