Cyclonic storm Nivar is likely to make landfall in the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts on Wednesday, as per a cyclone alert issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday.
The IMD said that a deep depression that formed in the Bay of Bengal has been intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm through Tuesday. It is expected to move west-northwestwards and make landfall between Karaikal and Mamallapuram on Wednesday.
According to a report in the Hindustan Times, Tamil Nadu authorities have suspended inter and intra-district bus services in seven districts from Tuesday, and partially or fully cancelled trains in some districts. Fishermen have also been advised not to venture into the sea, as conditions are expected to be rough.
This is the second cyclone to hit the Tamil Nadu coast this year, after super cyclone Amphan in May.
As heavy rains continue to lash Chennai, as of 8:30 am on Tuesday, the rainfall measurement stood at 77.6 mm and 71.2 mm at the Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam observation points respectively.
Extremely heavy rainfall is also likely to occur at isolated places over Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Myladuthurai, Ariyalur districts, and Karaikal areas in Tamil Nadu. Heavy to very heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Cuddalore, Pudukkottai, Thiruchirappali, Perambalur, Villupuram, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram and Thiruvallur districts and Puducherry, according to the Regional Meteorological Department in Chennai.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Edappadi K Palaniswami and V Narayanasamy, the chief ministers of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry respectively, and assured them of the Centre’s support.
Spoke to Tamil Nadu CM Shri @EPSTamilNadu and Puducherry CM Shri @VNarayanasami regarding the situation in the wake of Cyclone Nivar. Assured all possible support from the Centre. I pray for the safety and well-being of those living in the affected areas.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 24, 2020
Photo credit: Twitter
