Disaster Management

Michaung Cyclone: Andhra Pradesh CM’s Urgent Directive to Safeguard Lives and Crops

10 months ago
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As Cyclone Michaung looms over the Bay of Bengal, threatening the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has issued a stern directive to state officials to prioritize the safety of lives and crops. The impending cyclone, expected to make landfall near the Bapatla coast on December 5, poses a significant risk to both human life and agricultural assets. In a review meeting held on December 4, the Chief Minister emphasized the need to prevent loss of life and minimize property damage while also ensuring the safety of kharif crops, particularly harvested paddy.

Life and Property: A Dual Focus

Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s primary concern revolves around ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents in the cyclone-affected areas. With wind speeds expected to exceed 110 km per hour and heavy rains anticipated, the potential for devastation is considerable. The Chief Minister has urged officials to treat the cyclone as a challenge that requires immediate and effective action to prevent loss of life. Simultaneously, efforts should be made to keep property damage to the bare minimum.

Learning from Past Experiences

Despite a current weather forecast indicating a milder impact than historical cyclones like HudHud, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy insists on sustained vigilance from officials. Reflecting on the state’s experience in managing past cyclones, especially HudHud, the Chief Minister underscores the significance of heightened awareness. He advocates for the entire government machinery to stay on high alert, leveraging the expertise acquired through past challenges.

This commitment to proactive preparedness stands in contrast to the previous administration under Naidu’s rule, where rescue efforts were criticized for being more about optics and propaganda. Pawan Kalyan exposed the limitations during Naidu’s tenure, revealing that rescue operations often amounted to mere photo sessions. Additionally, the disbursal of Rs 500 per village, as disclosed by Pawan Kalyan himself, highlighted a lack of comprehensive disaster management. Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s approach aims to create a more effective and responsive system, prioritizing the safety of Andhra Pradesh’s residents in the face of Cyclone Michaung.

Safeguarding Agricultural Assets

Recognizing the economic significance of agriculture in the state, especially the ongoing kharif season, the Chief Minister has directed officials to take proactive measures to safeguard crops. Emphasis is particularly placed on the protection of harvested paddy, with a call to educate farmers on securing crops yet to be harvested. The procurement of paddy is urged to be expedited, with Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy asserting that there should be no scope for crop loss.

The officials informed Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy that 97,000 tonnes of paddy had been procured and 6.5 lakh tonnes of paddy had been shifted to safer places in view of the cyclone.

“All types of discoloured and wet paddy should be procured to avoid kharif crop loss,” said Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Relief Measures: A Comprehensive Approach

In addition to preventing loss of life and protecting crops, the Chief Minister outlined a comprehensive plan for relief measures. He stressed the involvement of village and ward secretariat staff and volunteers in relief and rescue operations. Financial assistance of ₹1,000 and ₹2,500 for individuals and families respectively, when leaving relief camps, aims to alleviate the immediate hardships faced by cyclone victims.

Also, whose homes are inundated will receive relief supplies consisting of 25 kg of rice, red gram, palm oil, and 1 kg each of potato and onion. In the event of damage to residences, be they constructed with solid or thatched materials, affected individuals will be entitled to compensation amounting to ₹10,000 each, as per the Chief Minister’s directive.

NDRF and SDRF Deployment

As part of the preparedness strategy, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy announced the deployment of five National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and five State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams in vulnerable areas. These teams will play a crucial role in emergency response and rescue operations. The Chief Minister also urged officials to open the remaining relief camps promptly and be ready to attend to emergency services such as shifting vulnerable populations to hospitals.

Impact on Nellore and Tirupati: Unveiling the Chaos

The devastating effects of Cyclone Michaung have crippled normal life in Nellore, with significant damage evident across nine mandals situated just 20 km away from the coast. Uprooted trees, fallen electrical poles, and submerged paddy fields paint a grim picture, leading to an orange alert for Nellore district and prompting heightened local vigilance.

In Tirupati, TTD Chairman Bhumana Karunakara Reddy and City Commissioner Haritha are actively assessing the situation in Pulavani Gunta and Gollavani Gunta areas. The chaos caused by the cyclone has fetched swift and coordinated responses from local authorities.

State Agriculture Minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy, amid the cyclone’s impact, highlighted the successful outcomes of government initiatives. Visiting Nakkalavagu, he emphasized the importance of ongoing development works, specifically the siltation efforts allowing 6000 cusecs of rainwater to smoothly reach the sea. The minister expressed satisfaction that unlike the past 15 years, the canal overflow has been controlled, preventing crop submersion and water blockades in villages.

The minister’s inspection revealed that dredging and the lifting of 15 gates from Sarvepalli reservoir facilitated the release of water from Kanpuru canal to Nakkala Vagu, ensuring a seamless flow into the sea. Govardhan Reddy credited these efforts to the government’s commitment to prompt completion of pending works without causing inconvenience to farmers and the public.

Amid the cyclone’s aftermath, war-like relief operations are underway in typhoon-affected areas. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, the state emphasizes efficient relief measures and reaffirms its commitment to the well-being of citizens through many initiatives. Notably, 13 students stranded in the water at Pittivanipalle shrimp pits were safely rescued and relocated to Chittamuru High School, underscoring the urgent need for robust rescue operations. The state remains steadfast in its resolve to navigate the challenges posed by Cyclone Michaung and provide swift assistance to affected communities.

Anticipated Landfall and Rainfall

As Cyclone Michaung intensifies into a severe cyclonic storm, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts its landfall close to Bapatla before 12 noon on December 5. Tirupati and Nellore districts have already experienced significant rainfall, with Bapatla, Nellore, and Machilipatnam recording substantial precipitation. The IMD’s red alert for certain districts underscores the potential for extremely heavy rainfall, raising concerns about flooding and waterlogging.

Immediate Evacuation Measures

The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, led by Managing Director B.R. Ambedkar, reported the evacuation of 7,361 people to safer places in various districts. Anticipating further challenges, an additional 28,160 individuals are expected to be evacuated. This proactive approach aligns with Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s emphasis on safeguarding lives during this critical time.

Also Read: Michaung Cyclone: 8 Dead In Chennai, Red Alert Issued For Andhra Pradesh, Telangana

Staying Strong….

In the face of Cyclone Michaung’s imminent threat, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s directives reflect a well-rounded and proactive approach to crisis management. Balancing the protection of lives, property, and agricultural assets, the Chief Minister’s instructions underscore the importance of preparedness, quick response, and community involvement. As the cyclone inches closer to the Andhra Pradesh coast, the state remains on high alert, ready to face the challenges posed by nature’s fury.

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