421.5 mm of rainfall recorded in Krishna district

The Michaung cyclone unleashed 421.5 mm of rainfall in the Krishna district, with an average of 16.90 mm recorded between 8:30 am and 2:30 pm. Bantumilli mandal experienced the highest rainfall at 32.6 mm, followed by Machilipatnam at 28.8 mm, Kruthivennu at 27.5 mm, Gudlavalleru at 24.4 mm, Ghantasala at 22.6 mm, Challapalli at 21.6 mm, Nagayalanka at 21.6 mm, and Pedana at 21.6 mm. Other areas witnessed rainfall ranging from 4.2 mm to 18.6 mm.
The Michaung cyclone intensified in the Southwest Bay of Bengal, moving north-northwestwards at a speed of 14 kmph over the past 6 hours. As of 2:30 pm, the cyclone was positioned approximately 200 km east-northeast of Puducherry, 130 km east of Chennai, 220 km southeast of Nellore, 330 km south-southeast of Bapatla, and 350 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam.
Seacoast areas experienced storm winds ranging from 60 kmph to 70 kmph. The Indian Meteorological Department predicts the cyclone’s landfall at Diviseema. Due to intense rainfall in the Krishna district, villages in Koduru, Nagayalanka, Avanigadda, and other Mandals are facing precarious situations.
At the Manginapudi beach near Machilipatnam and Palakayatippa near Sagara Sangamam, the Bay of Bengal advanced about 10 m, causing concern among the fishing community.
Residents of Diviseema are haunted by memories of severe cyclones in 1977, 1990, and 2013, which caused significant losses. The district administration has implemented necessary precautions to minimize damages.
Machilipatnam, Nagayalanka, Koduru, Kruthivennu, Bantumilli, Avanigadda, and Mopidevi are identified as cyclone-prone Mandals. Authorities anticipate the impact on around 10,000 people in Edurumondi, Nachagunta, Elichetladibba, Yesupalem, Zinkapalem, Krishnapuram, and Chinnagollapalem.
In response, the Krishna district administration established 57 cyclone relief centers, evacuating 10,000 people to safety. Sixty-three fishermen villages, including hamlets in 7 Mandals, are identified for potential impact. Officials from various departments are providing essential amenities, and the Medical and Health Department is conducting health camps at all relief centers.
Fishermen were advised against venturing into the sea, with awareness programmes emphasising preventive measures. The police presence at seacoast villages has been reinforced to deter individuals from approaching risky coastal areas. The authorities remain vigilant to safeguard lives and assets during this critical period.