Cyclone Vardah reaches close to Chennai, creates heavy winds

Chennai: After creating havoc in Andaman and Nicobar islands, the very severe cyclone Vardah is on its way to make landfall close to the capital city of Tamil Nadu by Monday afternoon.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, "The cyclone was lying at about 180 kms east of Chennai." S Balachandran, MeT Director said that there would be heavy rains during day time. He also stated, "Wind speed is likely to be high but as the day progress it may reduce."

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been kept on stand-by. RK Panchanda, DG NDRF said, "The NDRF was in constant contact with the Tamil government's municipal administration and water supply department. The locals have been requested to stay indoors and come out only if it is absolutely necessary."

Other Measures:

• The Tamil Nadu government has declared public holiday for the coastal areas on December 12.
• NDRF teams have been kept on stand-by.
• The state government has ordered the schools and colleges in Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts and coastal taluks of Villupuram district to remain closed on Monday.
• Anna University has postponed all exams that were to be held on Monday and Tuesday. Registrar S Ganesan said that all exams to be conducted for Anna University affiliated colleges would be rescheduled.
• Fishermen have been warned against venturing into sea as wind speed might touch 100 kmph.

Helpline numbers have also been published by the NDRF on its official twitter handle:

https://twitter.com/ndmaindia/status/807981921913274368

Cyclone Vardah:

• Cyclone Vardah had formed in the Southeast Bay of Bengal on Thursday last and has went intensification since then.
• The cyclone had created heavy storm resulting to very heavy rains over Andaman and Nicobar that had resulted in over 2000 tourists being stranded on Neil and Havelock Islands.
• It has now become a severe cyclonic storm which is expected to make a landfall at Chennai coast by Monday afternoon.
• The MeT officials, however, expect it to reduce its intensity by the time make the reaches here.