Cyclone Michaung: Revanth Seeks Prompt Action; Red Alert Issued

Hyderabad: Soon after the Congress picked him for the top job, Chief Minister-designate and TPCC chief urged officials to take prompt and effective measures to mitigate the impact of Cyclone Michaung which is forecast to bring very heavy rain to the state on Wednesday and has necessitated a red alert in several districts.

He highlighted the possibility of severe impact of the rain on low-lying areas, necessitating vigilant efforts from the officials to ensure residents' well-being.

In districts like Bhadradri and Khammam, where a red alert has been issued, Reddy urged authorities to be alert and respond quickly to the emerging situation. He provided recommendations for an effective response, including raising farmer awareness, taking precautionary measures in predicted heavy rainfall areas, ensuring safety in flood-prone regions, and regular reviews in agency areas.

He also emphasised the importance of reviewing old buildings and constructions for residents' safety. Authorities were told to evacuate those residing in vulnerable structures.

Cyclone Michaung has thrown multiple districts in the state into disarray, prompting precautionary measures and red alert across various regions. In Bhadradri and Kothagudem, schools are to remain shut until December 6. The agricultural community in Jagitial is grappling with concerns as heavy rainfall takes a toll on crops and grains.

The Indian Meteorological Department-Hyderabad issued  red alert indicating heavy to very heavy rainfall with accompanying thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, are sounded in Mulugu, Bhadradri Kothagudem, and Khammam. Suryapet, Mahbubabad, Warangal, and Hanmakonda find themselves under an orange alert, anticipating substantial rainfall and thunderstorms. Additionally, Karimnagar, Peddapalli, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Nalgonda, and Jangaon face a yellow alert for heavy rain.

Even the capital city, Hyderabad, is not spared, receiving a yellow alert with expectations of moderate rains persisting along with thunderstorms and gusty winds for the next two days. The city woke up to cold weather and drizzles, maintaining a temperature of 23°C for most of the day.

TPCC chief Revanth Reddy, who has been announced as the Chief Minister designate and will take oath in two days.

The ripple effects of Cyclone Michaung extended to air travel in Hyderabad. As of Tuesday morning, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) reported 16 cancellations, impacting both arrivals and departures. The affected flights include six from IndiGo, four each from Air Asia and Alliance Air, and two from SpiceJet.

The Chennai route faced the brunt with six cancellations, followed by five on the Bengaluru route, three on Tirupati, and one each on Trichy and Visakhapatnam routes.

A teleconference was also organised between officials from affected districts and Chief Secretary A. Santhi Kumari  and Rahul Bojja, director of disaster management.

The meeting addressed the critical need for vigilant measures and seamless coordination across regions experiencing intense rainfall. Precautionary measures and disaster management protocols are being implemented, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) mobilised to Bhadradri Kothagudem and Mulugu districts for rescue and relief operations, as outlined in a media statement. Various departments, including irrigation, disaster management, roads and buildings, panchayat raj, and revenue, were urged to collaborate seamlessly to address the evolving situation. The Special Commissioner for Information and Public Relations had confirmed the release of funds for disaster relief efforts.