Wednesday 25 November 2020

Cyclone Nivar LIVE Updates: Tamil Nadu govt declares public holiday in 13 districts, including Chennai, tomorrow

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.

08:58 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Schools to remain shut in Andhra Pradesh's Nellore till 27 Nov

Due to cyclone Nivar, district collector of Nellore has issued instructions to close all schools for three days from Wednesday till 27 November, according to Nellore DEO.

08:20 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

IMD predicts wind speed up to 145 kmph

According to IMD, Cyclone Nivar is very likely to intensify further into a "very severe cyclonic storm' by Wednesday evening. It is expected to cross Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram during 25 November late evening as a very severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 120-130 kmph gusting to 145 kmph.

08:13 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

1200 rescue troopers deployed, 800 on standby, says NDRF chief

Nearly 1,200 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rescue personnel have been deployed in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry and 800 others are on standby in view of cyclone Nivar, the "very severe cyclonic storm" which is expected to make landfall Wednesday evening.

NDRF chief SN Pradhan also said they are prepared for a "high level of intensity and the worst form" of the cyclonic storm as it surges from the Bay of Bengal towards the southern coastline.

08:10 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Hyderabad likely to see heavy rainfall for two days, says report

Hyderabad is expected to experience heavy rainfall on 26-27 November in wake of cyclone Nivar, which will make landfall on the Tamil Nadu coast on Wednesday, reported the Times of India.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange alert for several districts, including Hyderabad, Rangareddy and Medchal-Malkajgiri for 26 November. 

08:04 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Heavy rain in Tamil Nadu's Kanchipuram

07:53 (IST)

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates

Cyclone Nivar likely to turn into severe storm across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry 

Cyclone Nivar is expected to intensify into a 'very severe cyclonic storm' and cross Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram on the late evening of 25 November, IMD director general Mrutunjay Mohapatra said on Tuesday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had initially predicted that Cyclone Nivar was likely to intensify into a 'severe cyclonic storm' but has now estimated that it will intensify further.

Nivar is the second cyclone in the Bay of Bengal this year

Cyclone Nivar LATEST Updates: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Wednesday announced a public holiday in 13 districts of the state for Thursday. The Indian Meteorological Department, meanwhile, said that most of the impact of Cyclone Nivar will be felt in Puducherry.

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.”

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.

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.

A yellow alert has been sounded by the IMD in Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Tumakuru, Ramanagara, Mandya, Mysuru, and Chamarajanagara districts due to the impact of the cyclone Nivar today and tomorrow.

NDRF chief SN Pradhan told PTI that they are prepared for a "high level of intensity and the worst form" of the cyclonic storm as it surges from the Bay of Bengal towards the southern coastline.

Cyclone Nivar is expected to intensify into a 'very severe cyclonic storm' and cross Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram on the late evening of 25 November, IMD director general Mrutunjay Mohapatra said on Tuesday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had initially predicted that Cyclone Nivar was likely to intensify into a 'severe cyclonic storm' but has now estimated that it will intensify further.

Nivar is the second cyclone in the Bay of Bengal this year.

In May, Cyclone Amphan had developed into a 'super cyclonic storm'. "Our forecast is it will intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm by (Tuesday) tonight. It is very likely to cross Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram around Puducherry during 25 November late evening as a very severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 120 to 130 kilometres per hour gusting to 145 kmph," Mohapatra said.

Besides strong winds, the cyclone is also expected to bring heavy rains. The IMD has issued red alert for coastal and north interior Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, for 25 November, the top meteorologist said.

"Isolated extremely heavy rainfall activity also very likely over coastal and north interior Tamil Nadu and Puducherry (Pudukottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Karaikal, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Ariyalur and Perabalu districts during 24th and Kadalur, Kallakurchi, Puducherry, Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, Chengalpattu to Ariyalur, Perambalur and Karaikal districts during 25) and over Nellore and Chittoor districts of Andhra Pradesh on 25 and over Rayalseema and southeast Telangana on 26 November," the IMD said.

He added that cyclone leads to multi-hazard scenario. In event of the cyclone, there could be serious damage to thatched huts, disruption of power and communication lines, damage to roads, uprooting of trees. There could be damage to horticulture crops like banana and papaya.

The IMD has also suggested total suspension of fishing operations and motorboats and small boats, shifting of people residing in coastal areas to safer places, judicious regulation of road, air and rail traffic. He said the IMD will issue hourly updates from 25 November when the cyclone crosses the coast.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke to the chief ministers of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry regarding the situation in the wake of Cyclone Nivar and assured them of all possible support from the Centre.

In a tweet, the prime minister said, "Spoke to Tamil Nadu CM Shri @EPSTamilNadu and Puducherry CM Shri @VNarayanasami regarding the situation in the wake of Cyclone Nivar. Assured all possible support from the Centre. I pray for the safety and well-being of those living in the affected areas."

NCMC takes stock of cyclone

The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) on Tuesday took stock of the status of the cyclone and assured the states of all possible help, including the early release of disaster relief fund. The NCMC, headed by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, also directed all concerned to continue work aiming at zero loss of life and early restoration of normalcy in the affected areas that include power and telecommunications networks, an official spokesperson said.

The NCMC reviewed the status of impending cyclone Nivar at a meeting held through video-conferencing with the chief secretaries of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The chief secretaries of the three states, directors general of India Meteorological Department and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) briefed the NCMC about their preparedness and mentioned that the authorities are fully prepared to meet any eventuality.

The chief of the NDRF said so far 30 teams of the force have been deployed in the three states, while 20 more teams have been kept on standby for immediate deployment. A team of NDRF comprises of about 40 personnel.

The NCMC was also informed that about 15 districts of the three states are expected to hit by the cyclone and several thousand people living along the coastline have been shifted to shelter houses, the spokesperson said. The cabinet secretary assured the chief secretaries all necessary assistance, and Union home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla conveyed that the required financial assistance from the National Disaster Relief Fund will be released on Wednesday.

The cabinet secretary also asked everyone to circulate the Do's and Don'ts to the people living along the coastal areas asking them to stay calm, ignore rumours, keep mobile phones charged, listen to radio, not to enter damaged buildings, leave home for safer places if current house is not secured and switch off the main power connection, among others. The meeting was informed about the coordination between the NDRF and other agencies to meet this challenge.

The director general of the India Meteorological Department made a presentation on the present situation and mentioned that the status is being shared with the state governments concerned. It was stressed in the meeting that the advisories issued to the fishermen asking them not to go into the sea should be strictly implemented, the spokesperson said.

The secretaries of various central government ministries and departments attended the meeting.

Nearly 1,200 NDRF personnel deployed

Nearly 1,200 NDRF rescue personnel have been deployed in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry and 800 others are on standby. NDRF chief SN Pradhan also said they are prepared for a "high level of intensity and the worst form" of the cyclonic storm as it surges from the Bay of Bengal and marches towards the southern coastline.

"We are keeping a close watch on the development and we are coordinating with the affected states," he told a press conference. "It is a rapidly developing situation and it could take the shape of a very severe cyclonic storm that has a speed of about 120-130 km per hour."

The cyclone may bring fairly widespread to widespread rainfall and thunderstorm in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema and Telangana. The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into southwest and adjoining west central and southeast Bay of Bengal, Gulf of Mannar and along and off Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh coasts. Also the fishermen out at the sea are advised to return to the coast.

'Stay indoors, stay safe'

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday urged people to follow safety measures, He also urged people to stay indoors and asked Congress workers to provide assistance wherever needed.

"Cyclone Nivar is making its presence felt in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and parts of Andhra Pradesh. Please follow all safety measures. I appeal to all Congress workers to provide assistance to those in need. Stay indoors, stay safe," Rahul said on Twitter.

Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday asked the Collectors to be on high alert and take all necessary precautionary measures to prevent damage. The chief minister held a video conference with Collectors of SPS Nellore, Prakasam, Guntur, Krishna, Chittoor, Kadapa, Kurnool and Anantapuramu districts and reviewed the situation in view of the cyclone.

Though the cyclone would make its landfall in Tamil Nadu, heavy rains were likely in south coastal and Rayalaseema districts from Wednesday evening, the chief minister said. "About 11-20 cm of rainfall is expected in SPS Nellore, Chittoor, parts of Kadapa, coastal areas of Prakasam, Kurnool and Anantapuramu districts.

Winds with speed ranging from 65-75 kmph are also likely. We have to be geared up for this," the chief minister told the Collectors. Jagan asked Collectors of SPS Nellore, Chittoor and Prakasam districts to concentrate on opening relief camps wherever required for moving people to safety.

Prime focus should be on preventing loss of lives and damage to properties, he added. Jagan pointed out that reservoirs and tanks were filled to the brim due to heavy rains in October.

Fresh rains could cause breaches to tanks and hence they should be constantly monitored and precautionary measurestaken to prevent breaches. He also directed the officials to keep NDRF and SDRF teams ready to attend to any emergency.

Meanwhile, the State Disaster Management Commissioner K Kanna Babu said in a release that two teams of SDRF and one of NDRF were positioned in SPS Nellore district while SDRF teams were also sent to Prakasam and Chittoor districts.

With inputs from PTI

 



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