Cyclone Michaung makes landfall in southern India 05/12/23

Heavy rains and strong winds are battering India's southern Andhra Pradesh state as a severe cyclonic storm makes landfall.

Authorities have evacuated thousands of people from low-lying areas in both states. Many residential areas are flooded, and videos show cars floating in water.

Cyclone Michaung has made landfall between Nellore and Kavali in Andhra Pradesh, the state chief minister's office said. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had said that the storm will have wind speeds up to 110km/h (68mph), which will reduce as the cyclone dissipates after landfall.

Around 9,500 people in Andhra Pradesh have been evacuated to 211 relief camps.

Meteorological officials have issued a red alert in some parts of the states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Schools, colleges and many offices are closed in several districts.

Several flights and trains have been cancelled in Andhra Pradesh. Chennai airport, one of the busiest in India, was closed on Monday as its runway was flooded. It resumed operations on Tuesday morning as the cyclone moved northwards and the intensity of the rains reduced.

In and around Chennai - a major electronics and manufacturing hub - factories were closed, including iPhone production facilities, Reuters reported on Monday.

We are continuing to monitor the situation closely and will contact customers directly regarding any impacted shipments. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Source: BBC News