India: Cyclone to head towards Andra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu states

Event

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that a depression in the Bay of Bengal is currently strengthening and could to turn into a cyclone at the end of the day (local time) on Friday, December 14. The cyclone is expected to head west towards Andhra Pradesh and northern Tamil Nadu in the next 72 hours. The IMD has also warned about possible heavy downpours along the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh, the northern areas of Tamil Nadu, as well as in Puducherry on December 15-16. As of Thursday, December 13, local authorities have not yet confirmed whether the cyclone will make landfall on the Indian coast.

Context

Tropical storms and cyclones are common in the Indian Ocean from April to December. In November, Cyclone Gaja made landfall in central Tamil Nadu, resulting in 46 deaths in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In October, Cyclone Titli affected Andhra Pradesh, resulting in at least 28 deaths.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas should monitor local weather reports, confirm travel plans, avoid low-lying areas, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.