Two people have reportedly been killed on Monday as the very severe cyclonic storm Cyclone Vardah has made its landfall near Chennai.
Heavy Rains and strong winds have lashed Chennai. Due to cyclonic weather over Chennai airport, flights are diverted and departures are delayed. Both the states have been put on high alert with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) monitoring the situation real close. The rains are and the winds are expected to continue for the next 8-12 hours.
The spokesperson of the Indian navy has affirmed that the ships Shivalik and Kadmatt have set out at sea to provide immediate assistance if required. The navy has affirmed that the ships that are on standby are equipped with divers, doctors, food, water, blanket inflatable rubber boats, integral helicopters and enough relief material to assist at least 5000 people.
Nearly 19 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have also been deployed in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Ship that was sent to rescue two fishermen off Kakinada(AP) couldn’t reach them due to rough sea: AP Coast guard DIG Haribola.
The Railway Minister announced that Chennai Suburban network have been suspended till further notice. Some trains from/to Chennai diverted and cancelled.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu are monitoring the situation closely and has advised the fishermen not to venture into the sea during the next 36 hours.
The MeT director has announced that the tidal wave will be one meter high and people are advised to be in safe places & stick to instructions given by the government.
