Cyclone Nivar: Several parts of Chennai inundated

CHENNAI: Several parts of Chennai were inundated as rain battered the city on Wednesday. According to the Greater Chennai Corporation, water stagnation was reported in 53 places in the city.
Some neighbourhoods reported power cuts due to fallen trees. Authorities have begun evacuating people in vulnerable locations and are shifting them to relief centres.
Water stagnation was reported in areas like Velachery, Ice house, Vyasarpadi subway, Broadway, Vepery and several other areas.
In the last 24 hours (until 9 am), the city received very heavy rainfall- 120mm, according to the Indian Meteorological Department.
Corporation officials said they had placed men and machinery at all water stagnation points and cleared stagnation in many subways. However, incessant rain meant that continued efforts are required.
The civic body has also instructed all its zonal staff to clear banners and hoardings in their jurisdiction as a safety measure ahead of the cyclone making a landfall. According to the latest cyclone warning, cyclone Nivar is likely to cross Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast between midnight and early hours of Thursday as a very severe cyclonic storm with windspeed of 120-140kmph gusting up to 145 kmph.
Several residents have parked their cars on Velachery flyover as the roads were getting inundated.

Cyclone helpline numbers:
Greater Chennai Corporation: 044 2538 4530 / 044 2538 4530 / 044 2538 4540 / 1913 (24x7)
For electricity related issues and complaints, Tangedco has announced the following helpline numbers:
Chennai South- I - 9445850434/ 044-24713988
Chennai South- II - 9499050188/044- 23713631
Chengelpet - 9444099437/044-27522119
Kancheepuram - 9445858740/ 044- 27282300
Chennai North - 9445850929/ 044-28521823
Chennai Central - 9445449217/ 044- 28224423
Chennai West - 9445850500/ 044- 26151153