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Tropical Cyclone Vardah made landfall in Chennai today in the afternoon at around 16:00 pm and it covered most of the northern areas of Tamil Nadu. Although the Indian Naval Eastern Naval Command (ENC) and state machineries of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu were on high alert to provide aid to people and to carry out relief measures if needed, two people have already lost their lives because of the deadly cyclone. Intensity of Cyclone Vardah, according to the IMD, will reduce by tonight. [ Rescue members cut a tree that fell on a road after it was uprooted by strong winds in Chennai, India, December 12, 2016. Reuters]
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Considering the mighty nature of the storm, the state made immense preparations and among these were: 1) Keeping all the operational ships ready and on stand by. 2)30 diving teams with Gemini boats along with four platoons and additional relief material were to be pressed into action. 3) Electricity department was asked to gear up to restore power supply in case power supply breaks down. 4) Schools, colleges in Chennai are closed on Monday and an advisory too was issued to private companies, suggesting that their employees stay indoors. 5) Six NDRF teams in Andhra Pradesh and seven in Tamil Nadu were deployed to handle the situation. (ANI)
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The Cyclone has brought the city to a standstill. Chennai Suburban railway network has been suspended, several trains which were arriving or leaving from Chennai have either been diverted or have been cancelled. Operations at Chennai airport too have been suspended till 6PM. (ANI)
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The speed of the wind was reported to be as high as 110-120 km per hour before it made the landfall and caused heavy damage. The speed of the cyclone came down to 30km per hour before making the landfall. [ Chennai: Fishermen return to harbour in Chennai on Sunday. Cyclone Vardah's severe cycle is around 450 km east-north-east of Chennai and is likely to make landfall north of Chennai in the afternoon or evening of December 12. PTI ]
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(PTI)
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Army personnel conduct rescue and relief operations in Chennai as heavy rainfall and strong winds lash the city (ANI)
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Trees uprooted, vehicles damaged in many parts as cyclone Vardah hits city (ANI)
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Vehicle damaged as cyclone Vardah hits Tamil Nadu. (ANI)
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Map of forecasted track of Cyclone Vardah. (Reuters)
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