According to reports by IMD, the very severe cyclonic storm Nivar is all set to make a landfall between Karaikal and Mamallapuram, passing through the coast of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The cyclone is expected to cross late at night on 25th November with strong gales ranging between 120-130 Kmph, while gusting to 145 Kmph. The Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday announced a public holiday and instructed people to remain indoors. Even fishermen in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry, one of the eight Union Territories have been directed not to venture out into the rough seas.
Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department sounded a Red Alert for extremely heavy rainfall in seven districts including Chennai and orange alert in the northern districts of Tamil Nadu. The National Disaster Response Force Chief SN Pradhan said that 1,200 personnel have been deployed in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh in view of the approaching cyclonic storm. Twelve teams have been stationed in Tamil Nadu, seven are in Andhra Pradesh and three in Puducherry. While, an additional 20 teams each from Odisha’s Cuttack, Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh and Thrissur in Kerala have been put on standby.
