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
'I strongly condemn Hindu temple attack, intimidation of our diplomats': PM Modi amid Canada row
November 04, 2024
-
News
Unacceptable: Justin Trudeau after suspected Khalistani members attack Hindu temple in Canada
November 04, 2024
-
News
India, China have completed disengagement: Reports
October 31, 2024
-
News
Uzbekistan parties supporting President Mirziyoyev win parliamentary elections as country undergoes reforms
October 29, 2024
-
News
Sanction Indian diplomats, ban RSS: anti-India Canadian leader Jagmeet Singh goes ballistic
October 16, 2024
-
News
Hezbollah drone attack on military base kills four Israeli soldiers
October 14, 2024
-
News
Trudeau govt's vote bank politics: India toughens stand against Canada after latest tirade over Nijjar killing
October 14, 2024
-
News
Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which claimed responsibility for Baba Siddique's murder, sends Salman Khan a message
October 14, 2024
-
News
RG Kar: Bengal junior doctors to hold protest march to Raj Bhavan on 10th day of hunger strike today
October 14, 2024
-
News
Tamil Nadu derailment: 19 injured in Darbhanga Bagmati Express collision with goods train, 13 coaches jump track
October 12, 2024