Vardah
Cyclone Vardah has touched ground, which will turn into ‘cyclonic storm’ in the next 3-4 hours. The cyclone which is passing over the city of Chennai was termed as a very severe cyclone.
Tamil Nadu is being pounded by the cyclone Vardah and people have been advised to stay indoors. Two persons were killed as heavy rains accompanied by high velocity winds pounded the city and coastal districts of north Tamil Nadu. It disrupted land and air transport and throwing normal life out of gear.
The Director of the Regional Meteorological department Balachandran today said that the eye of the storm cyclone Vardah had begun crossing the coast by 3.30 p.m.. He said now the east side of the storm is still passing and it would take time till 6.30 in the evening.
The wind speed has been gauged from 70 to 90 kilometres an hour. The entire coast from Sriharikota to Marakkanam near Puducherry have been affected by the cyclone. The rainfall has been recorded at 18 cms in Meenambakkam and 10 cms in Nungambakkam.
TamilNadu Chief Minister O.Panneerselvam has chaired a meeting with the officials and assessed the situation and advised the senior officials team to monitor the developments. State Ministers Thangamani, Velumani, D.Jayakumar and Dr. Vijaya bhaskar have all been visiting several places and supervised the relief efforts done by the officials at the relief camps.
Air, rail and sea traffic have been affected. More than ten thousand people staying in low lying areas have been shifted to shelters. Round the clock vigil will be maintained until further orders from the Government.
Union Minister Rajnath Singh enquired about the arrangements done by the State Administration in view of the cyclone. The State Government has alerted the Defence forces and the NDRF rescue teams to address the situation.
Roof Power supply has been completely disrupted and so are the telecommunications. The Director of the Metrological Department has warned that after the cyclone passes the coastal area, it may turn into a depression by 11.30 tonight.
