Cyclone Michaung expected to strengthen; Section 144 enforced in Puducherry’s coastal regions

A dangerous cyclonic storm named ‘Michaung’ is currently active over the Bay of Bengal and is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm Monday. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for five districts in Odisha as they are likely to experience heavy rainfall. Furthermore, the storm is predicted to cross the South Andhra Pradesh coast on December 5 with maximum sustained wind speeds of 90-100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph. Yellow warnings for heavy rain have also been issued for several other districts in Odisha. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into deep sea along and off the Odisha coast from December 4-6. In anticipation of the storm, the Puducherry district administration has imposed Section 144 of the IPC on coastal areas near the sea shore from December 3 until December 5 to prevent loss of life or property.