Navy, Air Force, NDRRF ready as cyclone Vardah nears Chennai
Chennai, Dec 12 (IBNS) : Cyclonic storm 'Vardah' neared Sriharikota and Chennai coast, is away from the expected landfall by about two hours on Thursday afternoon, threatening a calamity in large parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh as the Indian Navy, Air Force and National Disaster Response Force have been kept on standby under a red alert call, reports said.
According to the Met office, the cyclone is now 87 km east of Bay of Bengal and is moving in the westward direction with a wind speed of 150 kmph, which is likely to intensify. It is expected to make landfall by 3 - 3 30 pm
The Tamil Nadu Government has said that atleast 7,357 people have been safely evacuated to 54 relief centres so far.
According to reports, two naval ships — Shivalik and Kadmatt — are already in North of the area, which is likely to be effected, with food, doctors and medicine to provide immediate assistance.
All educational institutes in Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur, besides coastal areas of Villupuram have been closed. The Tamil Nadu Government has also asked private offices to allow their staff to take a day off or work from home.
About 50 flights from Chennai have either been cancelled or diverted because of the situation.
Heavy rains have been predicted for Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram areas.
" The system is very likely to move nearly west-southwestwards and weaken gradually from today evening onwards while moving towards north Tamilnadu and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coast. It is very likely to cross north Tamilnadu and south Andhra Pradesh coast, close to Chennai as a cyclonic storm by 12th December 2016 afternoon," IMD said in a statement.
Fishermen have advised not to venture into sea along and off south Andhra Pradesh, north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts.
The IMD said: " Squally winds speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph would prevail along and off Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts commencing from 11th December night. It will gradually increase becoming 80-90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph during the time of landfall along and off Chennai, Thiruvallur and Kanchipuram districts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Nellore and Prakasam districts of Andhra Pradesh."
Top Headlines
-
News
Pakistan threatens to suspend all agreements with India, including Simla Pact, after New Delhi's actions
April 24, 2025
-
News
At least 27 killed in Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, Amit Shah reaches Srinagar
April 22, 2025
-
News
Narendra Modi, Elon Musk discuss Indo-US tech collaboration
April 18, 2025
-
News
White House says China to face 245% tariff
April 16, 2025
-
News
Donald Trump's latest tariff hike on Beijing brings additional rate on some Chinese goods to 145 pct: White House
April 10, 2025
-
News
Flight carrying 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana departs US, to land in Delhi tomorrow
April 09, 2025
-
News
After end of deadline, White House confirms 104 percent tariffs on China: Reports
April 08, 2025
-
News
PM Modi to inaugurate new Pamban Rail Bridge, connecting Rameswaram to mainland, today
April 06, 2025
-
News
Thousands hit streets across US to protest against Donald Trump's divisive policies
April 06, 2025
-
News
Avoid rhetoric that vitiates environment: Modi urges Yunus during Bangkok meeting
April 04, 2025