Wednesday 25 November 2020

Cyclone Nivar LIVE Updates: Severe cyclonic storm crosses Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast; over 1 lakh people evacuated in Chennai

08:16 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Cyclone Nivar to further weaken in next three hrs: IMD

Puducherry continued to receive rainfall as cyclone Nivar made landfall on Wednesday morning. Cyclone will now move northwestwards and weaken further into a cyclonic storm during the next three hours, says India Meteorological Department (IMD)

07:41 (IST)

sCyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Cyclone Nivar weakens into 'severe cyclonic storm': IMD

Cyclone Nivar made landfall near Puducherry in the early hours on Thursday, bringing heavy rains to the Union Territory and neighbouring Tamil Nadu, officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

"Very severe cyclonic storm Nivar weakened into a 'severe cyclonic storm' after crossing the coast near Puducherry," according to the weather agency.

23:53 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Chennai residents park cars on flyover

Before the very severe cyclonic storm NIvar made landfall, residents of one of the worst hit areas during the 2015 deluge in Chennai 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

23:48 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Landfall continues, tweets IMD

23:09 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Landfall process starts, says IMD

As per the IMD's 10.30 pm bulletin, Nivar touched the coast and has started the landfall process. "Very severe cyclonic storm Nivar now lies about 50 km east-southeast of Cuddalore, about 40 km east southeast of Puducherry. .Centre of cyclone to cross coast near Puducherry  within next 3 hours," it said

22:49 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Intensity of cyclone to decrease after 3 am, says IMD Chennai

The intensity of the cyclone will decrease after 3 am but rainfall is expected to continue tomorrow, news agency ANI quotes S Balachandran, IMD Chennai as saying.

22:26 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Landfall process expected to start soon

In its 9.30 pm bulletin, the IMD said that the very severe cyclonic storm lay 60 km east of Cuddalore and 55 km southeast of Puducherry. It would likely cross the coast close to Puducherry around midnight and the landfall proess is expected to start in an hour, as per the bulletin.

22:19 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Do's and Dont's for cyclone

21:39 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Nivar likely to cross TN, Puducherry coasts at midnight: IMD

 

Very severe cyclonic storm Nivar is likely to cross the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram around Puducherry  at midnight says, IMD.

According to The Hindu, IMD Chennai has warned that Cyclone Nivar is likely to maintain cyclonic intensity for about six hours after ladnfall. The cyclone is likely to weaken gradually  and hence Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Tirupattur, Vellore districtsof Tamil Nadu and Chittoor, Kurnool, Prakasam and Cuddappa districts of Andhra Pradesh can expect extremely heavy rainfall, it said.

21:23 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

#PHOTOS: Heavy rainfall causes waterlogging in several areas of Puducherry

21:13 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Railways cancels over dozen special trains, offers full refund

The Railways has cancelled over a dozen special trains on 25 and 26 November scheduled to either originate from and terminate in the southern states of the country in view of the impending cyclone Nivar, and offered full refund, reports PTI.

'Nivar' is forecast intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm and is likely to cross the coast between Tamil Nadu and Puducherry before dawn on Thursday, the India Meteorological Department said.

Owing to the onset of Cyclone NIVAR, Southern Railway has announced cancellation of several special train services to destinations that are likely to be affected by unprecedented rains/cyclonic landfall and to other destinations due to operational difficulties.

For the trains fully cancelled by Railways in view of Cyclone NIVAR, full refund of fare will be granted on ticket cancellations. The time limit for availing refunds has also been extended to six months from the date of journey, the Railways said.

20:45 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Heavy rainfall lashes Puducherry ahead of Nivar's landfall

20:30 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

NDRF deploys 30 teams on ground in Tamil Nadu, Pondy and Andhra

The National Disaster Response Force has deployed 30 teams on the ground in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh as the cyclone moves ahead from the Bay of Bengal towards the coastal areas, reports PTI.

Meanwhile, 20 teams have been kept on standby at Vijaywada in Andhra Pradesh, Cuttack in Odisha and Thrissur in Kerala.

NDRF chief SN Pradhan says all preparations have been done to “tide over the worst challenge that is put up by the cyclone”.

20:18 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

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 on Wednesday.

The city-based heavy commercial vehicle manufacturer expects to resume operations at the facility from November 27, company President-Human Resources, NV 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.

20:02 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Pondy govt declares Thursday as public holiday

The territorial administration declared on Thursday a public holiday for all departments and educational institutions in Puducherry and Karaikal regions, reports The Hindu.

Already, Wednesday was a public holiday. With the cyclonic weather continuing, the administration declared Thursday too as a public holiday for departments and educational institutions. The holiday is declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act.

19:45 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Over one lakh evacuated from Tamil Nadu: NDRF

Over one lakh people have been evacuated across Tamil Nadu and more than 1,000 people have been evacuated in Puducherry, says NDRF Director-General SN Pradhan

19:32 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Visual from Marina Beach

Visuals from Chennai’s Marina Beach with strong winds as the cyclone is expected to make landfall at midnight

19:18 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Landfall may happen after 2 am on November 26, says NDRF chief

"Cyclone Nivar may make landfall after 2 am on 26 November. Over one lakh people have been evacuated across Tamil Nadu and more than 1,000 people have been evacuated in Puducherry," said NDRF chief SN Pradhan

19:01 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Cyclone Nirav intensified into 'very severe cyclonic storm'

Cyclone Nivar has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm and lay centered about 90 km east-southeast of Cuddalore and 150 km east-southeast of Puducherry, according to IMD.

18:40 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Cyclone Nivar likely to cross coast tonight, says IMD

Gusty winds and rains lashed parts of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday leaving several areas inundated and authorities have housed over one lakh people in shelters as severe cyclone 'Nivar' hurtled towards the coast.

'Nivar would intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm and it is likely to cross the coast between Tamil Nadu and Puducherry before dawn on Thursday, the India Meteorological Department said.

18:28 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Taken all precautionary measure to tackle cyclone impact: NLC India

NLC India Ltd on Wednesday said it has taken all precautionary measures at its facilities and ensured preparedness in sectors, including mining and power generation, in view of cyclone Nivar all set to cross the Eastern coast.

Individual teams have been set up to monitor and tackle the situation. A control room, which will function round the clock, has also been set up to coordinate with government authorities, an official told PTI.

"The company is also ready to meet the requirements of safety of the people in neighbouring villages besides extending support to the district administration," he said.

18:13 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Chennai Metro will end operations at 8 pm today

Chennai Metro Rail has said that the last Metro Train Services today (25.11.2020) from all terminals will leave at 07.00 pm so as to end the train operations at 08.00 pm. Train service will resume tomorrow depending on the weather conditions. 

18:01 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Southern Railways announces train diversions

Here are the details:

  1. 02296 Danapur - KSR Bengaluru Special train
  2. 02577 Darbhanga - Mysuru Special train
  3. 02642 Shalimar - Thiruvananthapuram Central
  4. 02509 Bangalore Cantonment - Guwahati Special train
  5. 02295 KSR Bengaluru - Danapur Special train
  6. 03210 Yeswantpur - Danapur Special train
  7. 02512 Thiruvananthapuram Central - Gorakhpur Special train

17:39 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Chennai Airport to remain shut from 7 pm today

Due to Cyclone Nivar aircraft operations at AAI Chennai Airport will remain suspended from 1900hrs of 25.11.2020 (today) to 0700hrs of 26.11.2020 (tomorrow), reports ANI. The decision has been taken considering the safety aspect of passengers and the severity of approching Cyclone.

17:28 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Severe thunderstorm with heavy rain to occur over 8 districts, says TN govt

 The Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority has said that a severe thunderstorm with heavy rain is likely to occur over Nagapattinam, Karaikal, Puducherry, Myladuthurai, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Chengalpattu and Chennai districts of Tamil Nadu within the next three hours.

17:15 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Heavy rains lash Mamallapuram

Heavy rains lash Mamallapuram town in Tamil Nadu ahead of the expected landfall of cyclone Nivar at midnight and early hours of Thursday.

16:56 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Puducherry administration braces for cyclone

The Puducherry government has said the administrative machinery is fully geared up to meet any exigency arising out of the situation. The union territory has been experiencing intermittent moderate rain influenced by the cyclonic storm.

In a video message, Lt. Governor Kiran Bedi appealed to the residents to stay indoors. She also asked people to move to safer places wherever there is a need.

16:36 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

More than 30,000 people evacuated from Tamil Nadu, 7,000 from Puducherry: NDRF

"About more than 30,000 people have been evacuated from Tamil Nadu and 7,000 people have been evacuated from Puducherry. Central, state and local governments are working in tandem. All efforts are being made to minimise damage," said NDRF chief SN Pradhan on Wednesday.

16:27 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

#WATCH | Indian Coast Guard vessel deployed off Chennai coast with disaster relief items

16:11 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Southern Railway cancels seven trains for tomorrow

15:55 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Cyclone expected to take more time to make landfall, says report

The cyclone is expected to take more time to make landfall as it is moving slower than usual. A report by The Times of India has quoted a former IMD official as saying that cyclones usually move at 10-20 kmph but Nivar is moving at an average speed of 5-6 kmph.

15:53 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Army ready to deploy 14 rescue 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

15:41 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Full refund on ticket cancellation, six months time limit for claiming: Southern Railway

The Southern Railway has announced cancellation of several special train services to destinations that are likely to be affected by cyclone Nivar and to other destinations due to operational difficulties

For the trains fully cancelled by Railways in view of cycone nivar, full refund of fare will be granted on ticket cancellations. The time limit for availing refunds has also been extended to six months from the date of journey, the Indian Express reported.

15:08 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Cyclone Nivar to cross coast tonight or on Thursday morning: IMD

Severe cyclonic storm 'Nivar' will intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm over the next 12 hours and cross the coast between Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Wednesday midnight or early Thursday, the India Meteorological Department said.

In its latest bulletin on Wednesday, the IMD said NIVAR over southwest Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 07 kmph during past six hours and lay centred at 0530 hrs of today at about 290 km east-southeast of Cuddalore, about 300 km east southeast of Puducherry and 350 km south southeast of Chennai.

"It is very likely to intensify further into a very severe cyclonic storm during next 12 hours," the IMD said.

-PTI

14:52 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Tamil Nadu CM visits  Chembarambakkam reservoir to review situation

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami visits Chembarambakkam reservoir, whose shutters were released at noon today, to review the situation.

14:36 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

BJP cancels programmes under 'Vetrivel Yatra'

Tamil Nadu BJP chief L Murugan says the party has cancelled programmes under the “Vetrivel Yatra” in Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur and two other places in the state due to Cyclone Nivar, reports ANI. The tour, which started on 6 November, will now culminate on 5 December at Thiruchendur, said Murugan.

14:24 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

26 flights cancelled in Chennai

Twenty-six flights from/to Chennai cancelled due to Cyclone Nivar, says the Chennai Airport, reports ANI.

14:14 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Tamil Nadu govt declares public holiday tomorrow in 13 districts

The Tamil Nadu government has declared a public holiday for 13 districts tomorrow (26 November), local news reports suggest. These districts includes Chennai. More details awaited.

The 13 district are: Chennai, Vellore, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Chengalpet, Kancheepuram, Thanjavur, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvannamalai, Ariyalur, and Perambalur districts, The Indian Express reports.

14:00 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Two trains cancelled today, 3 tomorrow: Southern Railways

Ahead of the Cyclone Nivar's landfall, two trains have been fully cancelled for today, three for tomorrow and one for 28 November, as per the Southern Railways, reports ANI.  A total of five trains partially cancelled. 

13:48 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Maximum impact of cyclone to be felt in Puducherry: IMD

IMD Director General of Meteorology Mrutyunjay Mohapatra told ANI that the maximum impact of the cyclone will be felt in Puducherry. “Cyclone Nivar is gradually intensifying,” he says. “It could cause structural damage, uprooting of trees, damage to thatched/tin houses and damage to banana and paddy crops.”

Mohapatra adds: “There will be strong winds and heavy rain. The most impact will be in Puducherry and Karaikal.”

13:36 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Shutters of Chembarambakkam Lake opened to release water 

The shutters of the Chembarambakkam reservoir in Chennai were opened up earlier to let out 1,000 cusecs of water amid heavy rainfall in Chennai. Cyclone Nivar is set to make landfall later tonight or on early Thursday morning.

13:12 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Shutters of Chembarambakkam reservoir open after heavy rains in Chennai 

Seven gates out of the 19 of Chembarambakkam Lake in Chennai have been opened. For the first time in around five years, the gates of the reservoir has been opened. Tamil Nadu chief minister E Palaniswami visited the area as the gates were being opened

13:03 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Visuals from Mamallapuram 

Strong winds and rough seas are being witnessed at Mamallapuram ahead of the expected landfall of cyclone Nivar between Karaikal and Mamallapuram during midnight today and early hours of 26 November, reported ANI.

12:08 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

List of helplines in various districts of Tamil Nadu

The IMD has sounded a red alert in Ariyalur, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi and Perambalur districts, reported The New Indian Express.

Here is a list of emergency helplines released by the government:

Chennai
Toll free number: 1913

Helpline: 044 2538 4530, 044 25384530, 044 25243454

Chengalpattu
Helpline: 044 27427412, 044 27427414

Ranipet
Arakkonam: 04177236360, 9445000507

Arcot: 04172 235568, 9445000505

Walajah: 04172 232519, 94445000506

Nagapattinam
Helpline: 04365 252500

Ariyalur
Helpline: 04329 226709

Cuddalore
Helpline: 04142220700

Kancheepuram
Helpline WhatsApp: 9445071077

Tiruvarur
Helpline WhatsApp: 934536838

Thanjavur
Helpline: 9345336838

Coimbatore
Helpline: 0422 230114, 0422 2301523

Karaikal
Free helpline numbers: 1070/ 1077
Control Room: 04368 228801, 04368 227704
Whatsapp number: 99438 06263

Disaster management control room: 1077, 044 27237207

Read full article here...

11:43 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Cyclone Nivar now 290 km from Cuddalore

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. 

11:39 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Water from Chembarambakkam lake to be released today

PWD officials said they would release water from the Chembarambakkam reservoir at the rate of 1,000 cusecs by noon on Wednesday as Chennai and surrounding areas received heavy rains since Tuesday night due to cyclone Nivar.

The water level is expected to touch 22 feet around noon. The state government has ordered the PWD to release water once the level reaches 22 feet. The reservoir's total capacity is 24 feet.

11:31 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Helpline numbers in case of emergency in Chennai

The Greater Chennai Corporation has set up a control room in every zone and one at Ripon Buildings, its headquarters. Apart from this, 1913 toll-free number can be called in case of any emergency.

10:27 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Yellow alert in 9 districts of Karnataka

Nine districts of Karnataka are likely to receive heavy rains due to the impact of cyclone Nivar, according to the Indian Express.

The IMD has sounded a yellow alert for Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Mysuru, Kolar, Chamarajanagar, Chikkaballapur, Tumakuru, Mandya and Ramanagara districts.

09:57 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

24 flights cancelled in Chennai due to heavy rains

Twelve departure and arrival flights from and to Chennai airport have been cancelled so far due to Cyclone Nivar, accprding to media reports. 

Flights to Kannur, Kozhikode, Vijayawada, Tiruchi, Thoothukudi, Bengaluru, Mangalore and Hubli were cancelled, reported The Hindu.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has been coordinating with the Meteorological Department, National Disaster Response Force and State government officials as well. 

09:51 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

People from low-lying areas evacuated, says Puducherry CM

Puducherry chief minister V Narayanasamy said today that the central control room operating from State Disaster Management Control Room would provide help to the public.

"People from low lying areas evacuated. They will be provided with food, water, hand sanitisers and face masks. The fishermen advised not to venture into the sea," Narayanasamy said.

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates: The 'very severe cyclonic storm' Nivar has now weakened into a 'severe cyclonic storm', according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The landfall process of very severe cyclonic storm 'Nivar' has commenced and it would cross the coast soon, the Indian Meteorological Department said late Wednesday night.

The IMD, on its twitter handle said, "Very severe cyclonic storm Nivar now lies about 50 km east-southeast ofCuddalore, about 40 km east southeast of Puducherry. Landfall process commence [sic]. Centre of cyclone to cross coast nearpuducherry within next 3 hours."

Authorities in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have taken a slew of measures to handle the situation arising out of the cyclonic storm, which has led to heavy rainfall in several regions.

Over one lakh people have been evacuated from the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in order to "tide over the worst challenge" put up by Cyclone Nivar, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) chief said on Wednesday.

The National Disaster Response Force has earmarked a total of 50 teams ―with 30 being deployed on the ground in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh ― in view of the cyclone moving ahead from the Bay of Bengal towards the coastal areas.

Twenty teams have been kept on standby at Vijaywada (Andhra Pradesh), Cuttack (Odisha) and Thrissur (Kerala). SN Pradhan, the director general of the federal disaster response force, said all preparations have been done to "tide over the worst challenge that is put up by the cyclone".

"As per reports last received, the cyclone may make a landfall a little later than earlier predicted and it could be after 2 or 3 am on Thursday or on November 26," Pradhan said in a recorded audio-visual message. The speed is going to be that of a very severe cyclonic storm which is 130-145 kms per hour with gusting winds, he said.

The landfall is expected to take place between Mamallapuram and Karaikal. "As per latest reports, more than one lakh people have been evacuated across Tamil Nadu and in Puducherry about 1,000-2,000 people have been evacuated by the local authorities and the NDRF," he said.

He said there is "perfect coordination" between the state and central authorities which are monitoring the cyclone and the force is prepared with equipment such as \ cutters and boats to help rescue those trapped and ensure resumption of normal life. "A total of 25 NDRF teams are deployed on the likely affected coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh after consultation with state authorities.

"Out of these, 15 teams have been deployed in costal districts of Tamil Nadu. Six have been positioned at Cuddalore, three at Viluppuram, two teams each at Chennai and Chengalpattu, while one team each at Mayiladuthurai and Nagapattinam districts," an NDRF spokesperson said. Besides, three teams are deployed at Pondicherry and one team at Karaikal, he said.

Three NDRF teams have been deployed at Nellore district and one team at Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh, the spokesperson said. Sensing severity of the situation, five additional NDRF teams have also been kept on alert at Vijayawada and two teams at Vishakhapatnam for immediate backup, he said.

"In view of the current COVID-19 scenario, NDRF teams are equipped with appropriate PPE/special kits," he added.

Chennai airport shut

The Chennai international airport has been closed till 7 am on Thursday amid bad weather conditions caused by Cyclone Nivar, the civil aviation ministry said.

Gusty winds and rains lashed parts of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, leaving several areas inundated. Authorities have housed over one lakh people in shelters as the severe cyclone hurtled towards the coast.

"As a measure of safety and precaution, the Chennai Airport has been temporarily closed from 1900 to 0700 hrs IST due to the bad weather conditions caused by Cyclone Nivar. Due coordination was done with all stakeholders," the ministry said on Twitter.

Naval ships, aircraft and rescue teams have been alerted and are kept on standby.

Nivar would intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm and it is likely to cross the coast between Tamil Nadu and Puducherry before dawn on Thursday, the India Meteorological Department said.

With rains drenching parts of the state, authorities have evacuated over one lakh people and housed them in shelters besides disconnecting power supply in vulnerable areas as a precautionary measure.

While Chief Minister K Palaniswami declared Thursday a public holiday for 13 districts, a government order included three more districts considering the safety of people in view of the cyclone.

Revenue minister RB Udhayakumar said 1,03,291 people including children have been housed in 1,000 relief centres. Food, water and all other essentials including masks to help prevent coronavirus have been made available to them in the relief centres, he said.

A senior official said subsequently, the number has increased to 1,21,152.

According to the government, these people have been housed in shelters at Ariyalur, Chengelpet, Chennai, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Perambalur, Ranipet, Thanjavur, Tiruvannamalai, Tiruvarur, and Villupuram districts.

As a precautionary measure, electricity distribution was stopped to consumers in several regions falling under such districts and especially areas that have overhead power transmission lines witnessed power cut since noon.

Civic authorities meanwhile removed banners and hoardings in several districts including Chennai and Vellore expecting squally winds.

Police personnel placed barricades in arterial roads and important intersections in coastal districts to bar movement of vehicles and the government appealed to the people to stay indoors.

Southern Railway said eight trains including the Danapur-KSR Bengaluru Special were diverted skipping Chennai and 10 trains including the Chennai Central-Coimbatore Special were cancelled.

Under the influence of the cyclone, coastal and north interior Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kariakal regions are likely to receive rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy showers at a few places and extremely heavy rains at isolated places.

Surplus water was released from Chembarambakkam lake, one of the key drinking water sources to the city, since it almost neared its full level, the government said.

PWD officials said 1,000 cusecs was released from the lake as the level stood at 22 feet of the total 24 feet.

Chennai and its suburbs, which received heavy overnight rains, continued to witness intermittent showers coupled with strong winds with low-lying areas getting inundated and water entering houses in such localities.

The government said it has nominated IAS official V Arun Roy to oversee relief activities in Chengelpet district.

Civic body officials said stagnant water was pumped out by deploying heavy duty motors and fallen trees were being removed immediately.

Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Tiruvannamalai, Cuddalore, Kancheepuram, Chennai, Chengelpet, Tiruvallur, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Kallakurichi, Villupuram, Tirupattur, Vellore, Ranipet, Nagapattinam are the districts where the holiday is applicable tomorrow and Wednesday has already been declared a holiday.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said all AAP volunteers should be ready to help wherever needed.

The AAP national convenor said he hopes the Central and state governments are equipped to handle the situation.

"My prayers for the safety of coastal people of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh from cyclone Nivar. Hope state govts and central govt are all equipped to handle this cyclone. All AAP volunteers should be ready to help wherever needed," Kejriwal tweeted.



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