Very severe cyclonic storm Nivar made landfall near Puducherry in the early hours of Thursday, bringing heavy rains to the union territory and neighbouring Tamil Nadu, India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials said.
The severe cyclonic storm Nivar now lay centered over north coastal Tamil Nadu, about 50 km northnorthwest of Puducherry. It still maintains a wind speed of 85 to 95 kmph as it moves to interior areas. It would move northwest wards and weaken further into a cyclonic storm during next three hours.
Parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, including State capital Chennai, are seeing persistent rains and strong winds, resulting in property damage due to water-logging and fallen trees. Thousands of people have been evacutated to storm shelters across Tamil Nadu. Many districts in Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry have declared a holiday on November 26.
Cyclone Nivar | List of emergency numbers
Here are the latest updates:
Cyclone set to weaken further, however IMD exercises caution
Cyclone Nivar, which crossed Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts as a very severe cyclonic storm with 120-135 kmph speed, has weakened into a severe cyclonic storm with wind speed dropping to 100-110 kmph, gusting to 120 kmph. It will continue to move north-northwestwards and further weaken into a cyclonic storm in the next six hours.
According to IMD, the winds are higher in the northeast sector and therefore the northeast sector from Puducherry has higher winds of 100-110 kmph. It will gradually decrease to 65-75 kmph during next three hours with further northwestward movement of the system over land.
The weather monitoring body also mentioned that danger is not over yet as some part of the cyclone is still over the sea, though center is over the land.
Centre of storm crosses Puducherry coast and now lies over land
After having crossed Puducherry coast between 11:30 p.m. and 2:30 a.m., the centre of Cyclone Nivar now lies over land, said IMD. The weather monitoring department also said that Nivar has weakened from a 'very severe' to 'severe' cyclonic storm.
"The very intense convection over Puducherry is weakening gradually," IMD said. As a result, the intensity of the rainfall would decrease graduallly, however the rainfalls willl still continue.
Chennai will witness intermittent showers as 'convective clouds and squall line, along with the feeder band of the cyclone, are passing across the city at regular intervals.'
Severe weather warning issued for the State
Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority issued severe weather warning for the State. It has predicted severe thunderstorm with heavy rain over Thiruvannamalai, Cuddalore, Kallakurichy and Viluppuram districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry area within the next three hours.
Cuddalore records maximum amount for rainfall for the day among districts
According to IMD, Cuddalore received 227 mm rainfall between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. on November 25th. Puducherry received 187 mm rainfall, Karaikal 84 mm, Chennai 89 mm and Nagapatnam received 62 mm rainfall.
Landfall process has started, says IMD
Landfall process of severe cyclonic storm Nivar has started, S Balachandran, IMD Chennai said. The storm now lies about 50 km east-southeast of Cuddalore, about 40 km east southeast of Puducherry and about 115km south of Chennai. The centre of Cyclone Nivar will cross the coast near Puducherry within next three hours with a windspeed of 120-130 kmph, IMD added.
The wall cloud bands in the forward sector are entering into land and the weather system is interacting with the land surface, it said.
Once bitten twice shy, Chennai residents park cars on flyover
As the very severe cyclonic storm Nivar inched closer to the coast, residents of one of the worst hit areas during the 2015 deluge here found a flyover the safer place to park their cars to avert their vehicles from getting submerged.
Determined to avoid a repeat of the 2015 scenario when scores of four-wheelers were filled with flood waters, several residents of Madipakkam in the southern part of the city left their vehicles on the margins of the bridge overlooking the Mass Rapid Transit System railway station in nearby Velacherry.
With the owners one after the other parking their vehicles, the bridge was lined up with swanky cars on both sides of the overpass presenting a never before seen spectacle, civic workers said. - PTI
List of cyclone shelters in Chennai
The Greater Chennai Corporation has identified 169 relief centres in all zones for sheltering the affected people during the north-east monsoon 2020. Here is a full list of officials of Revenue Department who are in charge of the various relief centers.
Landfall likely to occur at midnight as expected, says IMD in latest update
The very severe cyclonic storm Nivar has moved northwestwards with a speed of 13 kmph during past six hours and lay 110 km east-southeast of Cuddalore, about 115 km east southeast of Puducherry and 185 km south southeast of Chennai, according to an update from the India Meteorological Department on Wednesday evening.
It is very likely to move northwestwards and cross Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram around Puducherry during November 25 midnight and early hours of November 26 as a very severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 120-130 kmph gusting to 145 kmph.
The cyclone is being monitored by Doppler Weather Radar at Chennai, Karaikal and Sriharikota.
Six hours post-landfall crucial, says IMD Chennai
IMD Chennai has warned that even after landfall, Cyclone Nivar is likely to maintain cyclonic intensity for about six hours. The weakening would be gradual, and hence Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Tirupattur, Vellore districts of Tamil Nadu and Chittoor, Kurnool, Prakasam and Cuddappa districts of Andhra Pradesh can expect extremely heavy rainfall, it said.
Strong winds too are expected with gale wind of speed reaching 65-75 kmph very likely to prevail over Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Tirupattur, and Vellore districts of Tamil Nadu, and Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh in the first half of Thursday. Similarly, strong winds with speed reaching 55-65 is likely to occur over Tiruchi, Salem,
Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Vellore, Ranipet, Tiruppattur districts on November 26.
Fire service personnel rescue stranded Chennai octogenarian from his house
The Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services (TNFRS) rescued an 83-year-old man who was stranded in his house in Maduvankarai in rain water, on Tuesday evening.
According to TNFRS personnel, they got a call from an individual, Lawrence, residing in Maduvangarai around 6 pm. “He told us that an 83-year-old man named Charles Noble was stuck in his house in in Gopalakrishnan Street, Ganesh Nagar, Maduvankarai, Guindy. Being an elderly person he was not able to move out of his house,” said Syed Mohammed Shah, District Fire Officer, Guindy.
The firefighters brought Mr. Charles, a retired LIC officer, out in a chair and took him to his relative’s house in the same locality.
Holiday declared in Puducherry, Karaikal
A holiday has been declared for government offices and schools on Thursday in Puducherry and Karaikal in view of Cyclone Nivar.
Lt. Gov. Kran Bedi, in an order, said that December 19 (Saturday) would be a working day instead. However, this is not applicable to those engaged in essential services, including disaster management or COVID-19 duty, the order said.
Watch: When Chembarambakkam opened its shutters
Chembarambakkam reservoir, one of the largest in Chennai, was opened after five years on November 25, 2020.
The Chennai Corporation requested residents on the banks of Adyar river to relocate, owing to the risk of flooding after the release of water in Chembarambakkam lake.
The last time it was opened was in 2015 during the Chennai floods, when its overflowing waters caused devastation in the city. Chembarambakkam Lake was once considered the lifeline of South Chennai as it irrigated 168 villages in the district.
Chennai records 30 cm rainfall
Chennai has recorded 30.86 cm of rainfall, according to data released by IMD Chennai at 5.30 p.m.
For context, the average rainfall in the region during this season is expected to be 8-10 mm per day. However, during the 2015 floods in the city , one of the rain gauges in Chennai recorded an abnormally high rainfall of 49.4 cm over 24 hours on December 1.
Ashok Leyland closes Chennai plant as precautionary measure
Hinduja Group flagship Ashok Leyland has closed the Chennai plant as a precautionary measure in view of Cyclone Nivar which is expected to cross the coast later tonight, a company official said.
The city-based heavy commercial vehicle manufacturer expects to resume operations at the facility from November 27, company President-Human Resources, N.V. Balachandar said.
“Our Chennai plant is closed due to the cyclone as a precautionary measure.We expect to resume operations from November 27... as per the emergency protocols all preventive measures for the cyclone are in place,” he said in a statement.
“At the moment, we do not foresee any delay for fulfilling our existing order book,” he said. - PTI
Tides damage portion of ₹120-crore under-construction fishing harbour
Tides due to the Nivar cyclonic storm have damaged the rubble mound wall in the fishing harbour under construction at a cost of ₹120 crore at Tarangambadi in Nagapattinam district.
The tides have thrashed huge granite stones.
The fishing harbour came under the tidal attack on Wednesday, damaging the southern side of the rubble mound wall constructed on the seafront. Tides were seen rising several metres causing damage to the granite stack.
Local fishermen pointed out that the rubble mound wall was low in height and width. They appealed to the government to increase the wall height and width to avoid damage during natural calamities in the future. - PTI
Public holiday in 16 districts tomorrow
Tamil Nadu government has announced a public holiday in 16 districts, including Chennai, on Thursday, November 26.
Chennai's iconic Marina beach is filled with storm water due to heavy rain on Wednesday due to Cyclone Nivar.
Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Tiruvannamalai, Cuddalore, Kancheepuram, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Kallakurichi, Villupuram, Tirupattur, Vellore, Ranipet and Nagapattinam (including Mayiladuthurai) districts fall under this ambit.
"All government offices, including offices of local bodies, government undertakings/corporations, boards, banks, financial institutions, etc., will be closed in 16 districts of the State on November 26. However, all essential services shall function as usual," said the government order.
Chennai airport to remain shut till 7 a.m. tomorrow
Chennai airport will remain shut from 7 p.m. on Wednesday till 7 a.m. on Thursday due to the cyclone. All international, domestic and cargo services remain suspended.
This decision follows the afternoon update announcing the cancellation of 12 departures and arrivals from and to Chennai airport. Flights cancelled include those to Kannur, Kozhikode, Vijayawada, Tiruchi, Thoothukudi, Bengaluru, Mangalore and Hubli. - Sunita Sekar
The metro rail services too will remain suspended from 8 p.m. today, with the last service at all terminals departing at 7 p.m. Services will resume tomorrow depending on the weather conditions.
Why do we track a cyclone's landfall?
The cyclone is expected to make landfall at around midnight on November 25, according to the IMD. But what exactly does that mean?
The U.S. National Hurricane Center defines landfall as the intersection of the surface center of a tropical cyclone with a coastline. Usually, it occurs when the eye of the storm moves over the land. When a cyclone makes landfall, it brings with it strong winds, severe rain and turbulence in the sea, which could be dangerous for life and property.
Typically, we track the landfall because the cyclone tends to lose speed and energy once it touches land as both of these are derived from the warm ocean waters.
Puducherry prepares for post-cyclone scenarios
Puducherry, which is one of the worst affected areas, is preparing to tackle the post-cyclone scenario in earnest. As seen during previous cyclones, one of the hardest tasks after the immediate danger passes is to restore civil amenities, including removing water-logging, clearing roads and providing immediate medical attention. To this end, a team of hundred personnel attached to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) unit from the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff in Chennai has reached Puducherry to assist civil administration in rescue and relief operations.
The HADR team, which is part of the Defence Forces, will work in tandem with the three teams of NDRF already in place. The defence team was dispatched following the government's request, Development Commissioner A. Anbarasu told reporters during a review meeting.
The Commissioner said that the electricity outages will be fixed with four to six hours. District Collector in-charge Purva Garg said that the Department of Civil Supplies has been instructed to stock up provisions to provide food for three to four days. Uninterrupted milk supply would be ensured through Ponlait, she said.
Puducherry Helpline
The following are the emergency numbers for the public during the impact of the Cyclone Nivar.
Apart from the general number 100, 101, 112, and 1031, the police control rooms will redirect distress calls to the department concerned, 104 is for medical and 108 for ambulance support and 1070 and 1077 emergency natural disaster relief.
The Electricity Department can be reached on 2339532 or toll-free line 1800-425-1912. The public can also message on WhatsApp (9489080401).
Karaikal: Free helpline numbers - 1070/ 1077, Control Room - 04368 - 228801 227704, Whatsapp number - 99438 06263.
Tamil Nadu Helpline numbers
People can dial toll free number 1077 for any assistance.
Here are the district-wise numbers
Cuddalore: District Collectorate -04142 220700/233933/221383/221113; Revenue Divisional Office - 04142-231284
Chidambaram: Sub-Collector Office 04144-222256/290037
Vriddhachalam: Sub-Collector Office 04143-260248.
Tiruvarur: WhatsApp number 93453 36838
Pudukottai: 04322-222207
Here's a list of helpline numbers of various depts
Chennai Corporation: 04425384530
24X7 control room : 1913
Flood control: 044-24331074
Chennai MetroWater: 04428454040/04445674567
Ambulance service: 108/ 04428888105/ 7338895011
Electricity board
Chennai South-I: 9445850434/04424713988
Chennai South II: 9499050188/ 04423713631
Chengalpet: 9444099437/ 04427522119
Kancheepuram: 9445858740/ 04427282300
Chennai North: 9445850929/ 04428521833
Chennai Central: 9445449217/04428224423
Chennai West: 9445850500/04426151153
Landfall likely post midnight
The Met Department has once again said Cyclone Nivar is likely to cross between Mamallapuram and Karaikkal as a very severe cyclonic storm after midnight.
Fairly widespread to widespread rainfall/thunderstorm over coastal and north interior Tamilnadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, south coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema on November 25 and 26, and southeast Telangana on November 26.
Isolated extremely heavy rainfall over coastal and north interior Tamil Nadu and Puducherry (Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Chennai, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, Myladuthirai, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Kallakurchi, Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, Puducherry and Karaikal) on November 25, over Nellore and Chittoor districts of Andhra Pradesh on November 25 and over Rayalaseema and southeast Telangana on November 26, 2020.
Storm surge
The IMD bulletin released at 2.30 p.m. predicts tidal wave of about 1-1.5 m height above the astronomical tide and is very likely to inundate the low lying areas of north coastal districts of Tamil Nafu and Puducherry near the place of landfall.
Fishermen are advised not to venture into Southwest and adjoining Westcentral Bay of Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh coasts and Gulf of Mannar during November 25 and 26. Total suspension of fishing operation is also advised for these areas.
Many schools cancel online classes in Chennai
Many schools on Wednesday called off online classes for students across classes taking into consideration possible power outages and internet connectivity issues that might arise due to the prevailing weather conditions.
Schools in Tamil Nadu have remained shut since March owing to COVID-19. While the school education department did not make an announcement specifically for the cancellation of online classes due to the weather, many schools took into account the public holiday announcement made by the state government and announced on Tuesday evening that online classes were cancelled.
Following heavy rains on Wednesday morning, some schools in Chennai took a late decision and sent out messages to parents announcing a cancellation of online classes for the day. With the cyclone expected to make a landfall on Wednesday evening, several schools are expected to cancel online classes for Thursday as well, considering the weather.
Stay indoors: Kiran Bedi
As Cyclone Nivar approaches, the Puducherry government said the administrative machinery is fully geared up to meet any exigency arising out of the situation.
In a video message, Lt Governor Kiran Bedi on Wednesday appealed to the residents to stay indoors. She also asked people to move to safer places wherever the is a need.
Most of the roads and thoroughfares presented a deserted look because of the order.
The entire beach road has been closed and police have been deployed to ensure that there were no visitors at the sea shore.
Trains cancelled
The Southern Railway has fully cancelled 12 trains and partially cancelled 11 trains due to Cyclone Nivar.
In a press release the Kanniyakumari-Nizamuddin and the Rameswaram-Manduadih trains are cancelled on Wednesday.
Similarly on Thursday none trains including the Dr. MGR Central-KSR Bengaluru, Central-Tirupati, Tirupati-Chennai Central, between Chennai and Coimbatore (3 trains), Karaikkudi-Chennai Egmore, Madurai-Egmore and Egmore-Tiruchi services will operate.
On Saturday the Nizamuddin-Kanniyakumari train stands cancelled.
The commuters could get their refunds for fully cancelled train services on cancellation of tickets.
Firemen rescue octogenarian from his house
The Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services (TNFRS) rescued a 83-year-old man who was stranded in his house in Maduvankarai in rain water on Tuesday evening. According to TNFRS personnel, they got a call from Lawrence residing in Maduvangarai around 6 pm. "He told us that a 83-year-old man named Charles was stuck in his house in in Gopalakrishnan Street, Ganesh Nagar, Maduvankarai, Guindy. Being an elderly person he was not able to move out of his house," said Syed Mohammed Shah, District Fire officer, Guindy. The firefighters team from Nandanam headed by Station Fire Officer Jayakumar comprising fire fighters - Sreenivasan, Senthil Kumar, Ramesh, Thangamari, Kalaivanan and Ajithkumar - rush to the house by 6:30 p.m. "When we went inside, we saw Mr Charles sitting on his bed unable to walk out as there was water till his thighs and it was about to raise over the bed, " said Senthil Kumar, who was part of the team. The firefighters brought Mr Charles, a retired LIC officer out in a chair and took him to his relatives house in the same locality.
Key roads closed
The city traffic police closed all major roads off Marina beach and other coastal areas of Chennai in view of Cyclone Nivar.
Following a high level decision, the city police commissioner Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal instructed the officers and personnel to stop the movement of vehicles on these roads immediately.
The Kamarajar Salai, East Coast Road, Rajiv Gandhi Salai and Ennore Express Highway have been closed immediately by police personnel. A senior police officer said, "No vehicle will be allowed on these stretches since they are located in coastal areas. This step has been taken as part of precautionery measure and for the safety of motorists."
Meanwhile, the city police appealed to the public not to venture out to beaches.
Cyclone Nivar: scenes from across Tamil Nadu
Incessant heavy rainfall lashed several areas in and around Chennai as the severe cyclonic storm Nivar approached closer to the coast on Wednesday.
The above video shows different locations in Tamil Nadu as Cyclone Nivar moves close to cross the coasts.
Eight helicopters for rescue operations
Boats have been parked on the roads for safety as cyclone Nivar approaches coast on Wednesday.
Eight helicopters are in the stand by for rescue operations, said Minister for Disaster Management R.B. Udhayakumar. He also said the relief camps can accomodate over 13 lakh people and appealed people in low-lying area to approach the nearest camp as soon as possible.
TN declares public holiday in Chennai, 12 districts tomorrow
Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami, inspects Chembarambakkam reservoir after its shutters were opened on Wednesday after a period of almost five years following heavy rains due to Cyclone Nivar on Nov 25, 2020.
Owing to cyclone Nivar, Tamil Nadu government has declared public holiday tomorrow in 13 districts, including Chennai.
Holiday has been declared in Thiruvallur, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Thanjavur, Mayiladudurai, Tiruvannamalai, Ariyalur and Perambalur.
Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami visits Chembarambakkam reservoir, whose shutters were released at noon today.
Puducherry will impact most: IMD
Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy and Minister for Revenue M.O.H.F. Shahajan inspecting cyclone preparedness in a coastal hamlet at Kalapet on Wednesday.
Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy and Minister for Revenue M.O.H.F. Shahajan inspecting cyclone preparedness in a coastal hamlet at Kalapet on Wednesday.
Cyclone Nivar is gradually intensifying according to IMD. "It could cause structural damage, uprooting of trees, damage to thatched or tin houses, and damage to banana and paddy crops," said Mr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, DG, IMD.
"There'll be strong winds and heavy rain. The most impact will be in Puducherry and Karaikal," he added.
Shutters of Chembarambakkam reservoir opened
Authorities opening the the shutters of Chembarambakam reservoir on Wednesday noon.
After nearly five years, the shutters of Chembarambakam reservoir was opened on Wednesday noon as a cautionary measure to prevent inundation, particularly in the upstream stretches.
Central Water Commission has advised Airports Authority of India to be cautious and keep a vigil if water levels rise in the Adyar river as it runs under the runway of Chennai airport.
The State Disaster Management Authority has asked people living near the banks of Adyar river, especially in low lying areas such as Kanu Nagar, Choolaipallam, Thideer Nagar, Amman Nagar, Burma Colony, Jafferkhanpetm Kotturpuram, and Chitra Nagar to relocate to the nearby relief camps.
Chennai Corporation orders removal of hoardings
As a precautionary measure, Chennai Corporation staff remove banners. Seen here is Cathedral Road.
The Greater Chennai Corporation has ordered the removal of all hoardings in the city to prevent accidents during the cyclone landfall.
Corporation Commissioner G.Prakash on Wednesday ordered the regional deputy commissioners of north, central and south regions to remove all hoardings by noon. Disaster management experts have stressed the need for removal of all hoardings to reduce the risk of accidents to motorists, pedestrians and residents during the cyclone.
Zonal officers will ask all owners to remove the hoardings and banners to avoid any danger. "Before noon all such hoardings, even if it is under court orders are to be removed due to the emergency. It is very urgent," said Mr.Prakash.
According to the amended statutory provisions, hoardings will be permitted only on Corporation lands. Earlier, private land owners were erecting hoardings and banners illegally.
On Wednesday, civic officials started removing hoardings and banners to prevent accidents during the cyclone landfall.
According to estimates, such structures have been located in more than 500 spots. In addition to such structures, weak structures on top of high rise buildings will also be removed by civic officials.
Heavy rains in Chennai, light showers in other districts
Rainwater inundates the famous rock temple in Mamallapuram on Wednesday.
Rainwater inundates the famous rock temple in Mamallapuram on Wednesday.
In Chennai, Nungambakkam received the highest amount of rainfall with 16 cm for the day ending 8.30 a.m. on Wednesday. Several other weather stations in and around the city recorded 'heavy to very heavy' rainfall during the same period. The areas include Anna University, Meenambakkam and Sholinganallur with 15 cm each and Taramani, DGP Office, MGR Nagar receiving 14 cm each.
Areas such as Mamallapuram, Alandur, and Puzhal recorded 12 cm each and Tambaram and Ambattur 11 cm each.
However, weather stations in other districts have received only light rains so far.
Puducherry, Tirupoondi in Nagapattinam district, Cuddalore, Chidambaram, and Tindivanam have registered 2 cm each.
Residents on the banks of Adyar asked to relocate
The Chennai Corporation has requested residents of Kotturpuram, Jafferkhanpet and other areas on the banks of river Adyar to relocate to relief centres owing to the risk of flooding in Adyar River after release of water in Chembarambakkam lake at noon.
A flood alert has been issued by the corporation for neighborhoods on banks of Adyar river in Kodambakkam, Adyar, Valasaravakkam, and Alandur zones. A total of 169 relief centres have been opened.
The Corporation has also requested the owners to remove all hoarding and banners as a precautionary measure to minimise damages.
For assistance: Call 1913, control room 044-25384530 and 044-25384540. - Aloysius Xavier Lopez
Nivar approaches closer to TN coast
Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Service personnel with emergency equipments leave to coastal areas of Nagapattinam district in view of cyclone Navir, on Wednesday, November 25, 2020.
Incessant heavy rainfall lashed several areas in and around Chennai as the severe cyclonic storm Nivar approached closer to the coast on Wednesday.
Places in and around Chennai received heavy to very heavy till 8.30 a.m. on Wednesday. Nungambakkam received nearly 17 cm of rainfall and Meenambakkam recorded 12 cm. The other weather stations in Taramani (12cm), West Tambaram(10 cm) and Ennore 9 cm too recorded rains of heavy to very heavy intensity.
However, other places such as Chidambaram, Cuddalore, Karaikal, Nagapattinam have received only light rains so far till 8.30 a.m.
According to India Meteorological Department, the severe cyclonic storm Nivar has moved west-northwestwards and lay centered over southwest Bay of Bengal, about 290 km east-southeast of Cuddalore, about 300 km east southeast of Puducherry and 350 km south southeast of Chennai. It is likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm by afternoon.
It is now moving at a speed of 7 km per hour. - K. Lakshmi
Puducherry port hoists cyclone warning 10
The Port Department in Puducherry has hoisted Storm warning signal 10 indicating Great Danger to the por
Puducherry port has hoisted cyclone warning number 10, which indicates 'great danger' and also means a severe cyclone is likely to cross over/near the port.
A visual storm warning signals are signage permanently hoisted at the mast of ports to alert ships of the weather condition in the ports they approach. While certain countries hoist flags, India uses distinct signs for day and night. Day signals are a combination of cylinders and cones, while night signals are red and white lamps.
Click here to know why we should worry more for signal 11 and less for 1.
NDRF teams ready: Minister
According to Minister for Disaster Management, R.B. Udhaya kumar, six NDRF teams were positioned in Cuddalore, three teams each in Chengalpattu and Nagapattinam, and two teams in Villupuram and Mayiladuthurai districts.
The Ministers said the low-lying areas and reservoirs are being monitored continuously. "A total of 22 fishing boats from Karaikal that were involved in deep-sea fishing were brought back to safety," Mr. Udhaya Kumar said.
Shutters of Chembarambakkam reservoir to be opened by noon
After nearly five years, the shutters of Chembarambakam reservoir will be opened on Wednesday noon as a cautionary measure to prevent inundation, particularly in the upstream stretches. Residents need not fear flooding in the Adyar river as water release will be minimal.
As a precaution, flood warning has been issued to low level areas along Adyar river and surplus courses such as Kundrathur, Sirukalathur, Tirumudivakkam and Tiruneermalai.
The Adyar river has been widened to carry up to 1 lakh cusecs in the downstream stretch near Saidapet, officials noted. - K. Lakshmi
Position of Chennai reservoirs
Chembarambakkam's storage now stands at 3,028 million cubic feet against its capacity of 3,645 mcft. The three other major reservoirs are getting steady inflows too.
While Poondi reservoir, which did not receive much rainfall, gets mostly Krishna water as inflow, Red Hills reservoir received an inflow of 1,063 cusecs at 8 a.m. and its water level stands at 17.49 feet against full level of 21.20 ft.
In Kancheepuram and Chengalpet districts, 148 tanks of the total 909 tanks maintained by Water Resources Department have filled up so far. Nearly 254 tanks have reached above 75% of their storage capacity. The water level at Pillaipakkam tank, which drain into Chembarambakkam reservoir, has reached 12.08 feet against its full level of 13.20 feet.
The level at another tank in Sriperumbudur located upstream of Chembarambakkam too has touched 16. 19 feet against full level of 17.90 feet and is being monitored by WRD. - K. Lakshmi
Waterlogging at 53 locations; 128 mm rainfall in Chennai
A policeman gestures as he manages traffic on a road during heavy rain, triggered by Cyclone Nivar, in Chennai, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020.
Greater Chennai Corporation has identified waterlogging in 53 neighborhoods of the city ahead of the landfall of cyclone Nivar. According to a press release, civic employees cleared waterlogging at eight locations.
Civic officials are yet to control waterlogging at 45 locations. Residents have reported waterlogging in areas including George Town, Nungambakkam, Madipakkam, Sholinganallur, Perungudi, Vepery, Kilpauk, Anna Nagar, Aminjikarai, Arumbakkam, T.Nagar, Shenoy Nagar, Mogappair, Adyar and Vadapalani.
According to data compiled by Greater Chennai Corporation, the city has received a total rainfall of 516 mm during the 27 days after the onset of the northeast monsoon on October 28.
The city received a rainfall of 128 mm from 8.30 a.m. November 24 to 7 a.m. November 25.
At least 116 trees have been uprooted after the onset of the northeast monsoon. A total of 77 relief centres have been opened in the city. Motor pumps have been installed at 15 locations to bale out water. — Our Correspondent
Nivar becomes 'severe cyclone'
The rough sea in Nagapattinam district along with gusty winds on Tuesday, November 24, 2020.
The cyclonic storm NIVAR over southwest Bay of Bengal has burgeoned into a 'severe cyclonic storm' and lay 370 km east southeast of Chennai and 310 km southeast of Puducherry, according to a morning update from the India Meteorological Department on Wednesday.
It is likely to intensify further into a 'very severe cyclonic storm' by noon and make landfall by late evening between the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts, around Karaikal and Mamallapuram with a wind speed of 120-130 kmph gusting to 145 kmph.
Severe damage is expected to standing crop, plantation, orchards and thatched rooftops are expected to be blown away.Nivar is expected to begin ebbing in intensity by midnight after landfall and ease out by Friday though windspeeds and associated rainfall are expected to be significant until Friday, the IMD said. — Our Corrrespondent
Army deploys 12 teams
The Indian Army is ready to deploy 12 Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) teams and two Engineer Task Force units during Cyclone Nivar. "The Army is ready to assist the government and civil administration in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, maintaining communication with concerned officials", a defence press release said. — Our Corrrespondent
Flights cancelled at Chennai airport
Twelve departures and arrivals from and to Chennai airport have been cancelled so far due to Cyclone Nivar. Flights to Kannur, Kozhikode, Vijayawada, Tiruchi, Thoothukudi, Bengaluru, Mangalore and Hubli were cancelled.
Officials of Airports Authority of India (AAI) had said they have been making arrangements to see how best flight operations can be operated. AAI has been coordinating with the Meteorological Department, National Disaster Response Force and State government officials as well.
"The smaller ATR aircraft have been taken away from the airport by an airline because they feared it may be damaged when the cyclone makes a landfall. Those are the cancelled flights we see now. There may be delays through the day or diversions depending on the weather," an official said. — Staff Reporter
Thousands of police personnel deployed in coastal areas
Thousands of policemen, including commandos trained in disaster operations, have been deployed along the coastal areas as heavy rain lashed Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpet, Tiruvallur and Cuddalore districts since Tuesday afternoon.
With meteorological experts warning that Cyclone Nivar, located 450 km southeast of Chennai, was likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm in the next 24 hours, Director-General of Police J.K. Tripathy reviewed the deployment of manpower and infrastructure at the police headquarters.
Nellore, Prakasam administrations on tenterhooks
Authorities in south coastal Andhra Pradesh are on high alert as the cyclonic storm Nivar over southwest Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm late on Wednesday.
Fishermen, who had ventured into the sea, rushed back as squally wind speed reaching 30 to 40 kmph prevailed. The fishermen started moving their boats to safer places as sea water advanced up to 100 metres in the coastal mandals, reminding them of the “Laila” cyclone that left a trial of destruction in 2010.
Puducherry, Cuddalore gear up to deal with Cyclone Nivar
According to Chennai Corporation data the city received a rainfall of 128 mm from 8.30 a.m. November 24 to 7 a.m. November 25. A scene at Kamaraj Salai on Wednesday, November 25, 2020
The Puducherry and Cuddalore district administrations are gearing up to deal with any eventuality arising out of Cyclone Nivar, which is expected to make landfall on Wednesday.
Nine teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in Puducherry, Cuddalore, Chidambaram, Parangipettai and Karaikal, to carry out relief and rescue operations.
Severe cyclonic storm lay centered near Cuddalore
Cyclonic storm Nivar intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and lay centred at 2330 hrs IST of 24th November, 2020 over southwest Bay of Bengal. It is about 310 km of Cuddalore. It is very likely to intensify further into a very severe cyclonic storm during next 12 hours.
Heavy rainfall in Chennai
Heavy rainfall recorded in Chennai from 0830 hours IST to 2030 hours IST of November 24, 2020: Nungambakkam: 106 mm Meenambakkam: 94 mm
