Cyclone Nivar Makes Landfall Near TN, Rescue Teams on Alert
Catch all the live updates on Cyclone Nivar here.
Cyclone Nivar began landfall near Tamil Nadu after 10.30 pm on Wednesday, 25 November, according to IMD Chennai. The authorities said that the intensity of the cyclone is likely to reduce after 3 am although rainfall will continue.
While rescue teams and the Indian Navy were on alert across the state and Puducherry, Chennai airport has been shut from 7 pm to 7 am on Thursday. Metro and train services have also been suspended.
- Owing to heavy rains, water was released from the Chembarambakkam reservoir, one of the main reservoirs for Chennai, on the noon of Wednesday, 25 November
- Tamil Nadu CM requested the public across the state to stay at home and to follow the guidelines provided by the government.
- Puducherry government has imposed Section 144 in the UT, following IMD warning about the possible impact of Cyclone Nivar
Cyclone Nivar Makes Landfall in TN, Intensity to Reduce After 3 am
The very severe cyclonic storm Nivar has begun its landfall close to the Puducherry coast and its centre will cross the coast near the Union Territory in three-hours time, the India Meteorological Department said on late Wednesday.
In its bulletin issued at 10.30 pm, the IMD has recorded a wind speed of 120-130 kmph gusting at 145 kmph.
Severe Thunderstorms with Heavy Rain Likely in Parts of TN, Puducherry and Karaikal Area: IMD
Severe thunderstorms with heavy rain is likely to occur over Ariyalur, Cuddalore, Kancheepuram, Kallakurichi, Thiruvannamalai, Viluppuram, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and Karaikal area within the next three hours, reported ANI, citing IMD.
Indian Navy on Standby for Cyclone Nivar
Indian Navy ships, aircraft, helicopters, diving and disaster relief teams are on standby for rendering full support to state administration, says the Indian Navy.
Over 1 Lakh Evacuated from TN, Puducherry: NDRF Chief
Over 1 lakh people evacuated from Tamil Nadu, Puducherry in view of Cyclone Nivar that is expected to make a landfall in early hours of Thursday, the chief of NDRF said.
Chennai Airport Shut for 12 Hours
Due to Cyclone Nivar, aircraft operations at Chennai Airport will remain suspended from 7 pm today to 7 am on Thursday.
TN CM Extends Public Holiday Till 26 Nov in 13 Districts
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswamy extended public holiday in 13 districts till Thursday. Owing to heavy rains, water was released from the Chembarambakkam reservoir, one of the main reservoirs for Chennai, on the noon of Wednesday, 25 November.
Cyclone Nivar Very Serious, We Are Preparing for the Worst: NDRF DG
SN Pradhan, DG, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) reportedly told ANI that Cyclone Nivar has been categorised as ‘very severe’. He further said:
According to ANI, the NDRF DG also informed that more than 30,000 people have been evacuated from Tamil Nadu and 7,000 people have been evacuated from Puducherry.
Puducherry on High Alert Ahead of Landfall
Strong winds are blowing in Mamallapuram and Puducherry ahead of the expected landfall of Cyclone Nivar between Karaikal and Mamallapuram during midnight of 25 November and early hours of 26 November.
Arrangements for Post-Landfall Rescue and Relief Efforts Being Made
Four Coast Guard Offshore patrol vessels are deployed at sea in disaster relief configuration for assistance to fishermen and merchants at sea, besides two helicopters on standby for immediate launch post-landfall rescue and relief efforts.
Eight teams from Bengaluru, two teams from Coimbatore and 12 teams from Chennai of the Indian Army have been mobilised for rescue operations to handle Cyclone Nivar.
Three Dornier aircraft are on standby at Vishakapatnam for surveillance and damage assessment.
Public Holiday Tomorrow for 13 TN Districts
Cyclone Nivar is expected to make landfall on the night of 25 November near Puducherry. Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami has announced a public holiday on Thursday for 13 districts in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai.
Trains Cancelled
Owing to heavy rainfall and in view of Cyclone Nivar, Southern Railways has cancelled six pairs of trains scheduled for 26 November.
Water From Chembarambakkam Reservoir Released
Water was released from the Chembarambakkam reservoir on Wednesday noon.
Officials says precautions have been taken to release water in a phased manner so as not to cause flooding situation like in 2015.
The Central Water Commission (CWC) has forecast that the Chembarambakkam reservoir is likely to get an average inflow of 7,062 cusecs till 26 November.
Rainfall of 150-200mm from 25 November 6 am to 26 November 6 am is expected. According to officials, the decision to release water from the reservoir has been taken considering that it has neared 80 percent capacity and that water has risen to 22 feet, whereas the maximum height is 24 feet.
Authorities have alerted people in the banks of the Adyar river in Sriperumbudur, Tambaram taluk and in Chennai.
Airport authorities have been advised to maintain strict vigil in the rise of water levels as the river passes under the runway in Chennai airport.
Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami reviewed rescue and preparedness works on the ground.
Banners and Hoardings in Chennai to be Removed Owing to Heavy Wind
Greater Chennai Corporation commissioner G Prakash has instructed officials to remove all banners and hoardings in Chennai owing to prediction of heavy winds. The storm is expected to bring extremely heavy rainfall and winds between 120 and 130 km per hour, with gusts of up to 145 km per hour in Chennai.
During the 2015 floods and 2016 cyclone, there were several instances of damage to property and human life due to hoardings uprooted by the stormy winds.
“Cyclone Nivar gradually intensifying. It could cause structural damage, uprooting of trees, damage to thatched or tin houses, and damage to banana and paddy crops,” said Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, DG of IMD.
Puducherry Helpline Numbers
The following are the emergency numbers for the public in Puducherry during the impact of the Cyclone Nivar.
If a person contacts the helpline numbers 100, 101, 112, and 1031, the police control rooms will redirect distress calls to the department concerned.
Puducherry:
For medical support - 104
For ambulance support - 108
Emergency natural disaster relief - 1070 and 1077
For electricity issues - 2339532 or 1800-425-1912
WhatsApp number - 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
Vridhachalam: Sub-Collector Office 04143-260248
Tiruvarur: WhatsApp number 93453 36838
Pudukottai: 04322-222207
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
Andhra Pradesh Government Issues Cyclone Alert
Andhra Pradesh is expected to receive heavy rainfall after the cyclone Nivar makes landfall and moves inland. Nellore, Chittoor, Kadapa, Kurnool and Anantpur are on high alert.
Rainfall of 11 to 20 cm and wind speeds of up to 75 km per hour are expected.
Authorities have been deputed to monitor low-lying areas.
12 NDRF Teams Deployed in TN, Puducherry
Around 1,200 National Disaster Response Force personnel have been deployed in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh.
12 teams are in Tamil Nadu, including six in Cuddalore district and two in Chennai, seven in Andhra Pradesh and three in Puducherry. An additional 20 teams will be on standby in Odisha's Cuttack, Vijaywada in Andhra Pradesh and Thrissur in Kerala.
Cyclone Nivar to Hit TN, Puducherry With Winds at 145 Kmph
As on Tuesday night, the cyclone was 380 km southeast of Chennai and 320 km southeast of Puducherry. The storm is expected to bring extremely heavy rainfall and winds between 120 and 130 km per hour, with gusts of up to 145 km per hour, said the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai.
Chief Minister Palaniswami appealed to people to stay indoors. Over 4,000 vulnerable locations and low-lying areas have been identified and local officials have been deputed to evacuate people to safer locations based on the intensity of the rains in the next three days,
Flights Cancelled
Several flights from and to Chennai have been cancelled and rescheduled owing to adverse weather conditions on 25 November. Passengers are requested to contact the concerned airlines for any further update.
A total of 49 flights that were scheduled for Wednesday have been cancelled, a statement from IndiGo read. “We will monitor the situation and decide on the further course of action for 26 November. We are accommodating passengers on next available flights at no additional charges, waiving off cancellation fee and the refunding full ticket amount," the company said.
Chembarambakkam Reservoir 79% Full
With Cyclone Nivar bringing heavy rainfall to Chennai since Monday night, the Chembarambakkam lake received an inflow of nearly 200 cusecs of water.
The lake is now 79 per cent full. The storage level stands at 2,913 mcft as against its total capacity of 3,645 mcft.
The Chembarambakkam reservoir in Chennai will release 1,000 cusecs of water at 12 noon today. People living in the low lying areas along Adyar river have been requested to stay alert and vigilant.
The people of the villages -- Sirukalathur, Kavanur, Kundrathur, Thirumudivakkam, Vazhuthiyambedu, Thiruneermalai -- have been instructed to remain vigilant.
In 2015, Chennai faced one of the worst floods seen in centuries. At the time, several reservoirs had filled up and release of water resulted in inundation of many areas. In anticipation of a rapid rise in water levels due to Cyclone Nivar, Revenue Minister RB Udhayakumar, who heads the state Disaster Management Department has assured that they are closely monitoring Tamil Nadu’s four reservoirs - Poondi, Cholavaram, Red Hills and Chembarambakkam.
Train Services Cancelled Over Cyclone
The Tamil Nadu government has cancelled 24 train services from Egmore to the southern parts of the state, reports The News Minute. The suburban train services have been partially cancelled since 3pm on Tuesday until 10 am on Wednesday, while from 10 am on Wednesday, suburban train services have been fully cancelled until further notice.
Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba Chairs National Crisis Management Committee Meeting
In view of Cyclone Nivar, Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba chaired a meeting of National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) on Tuesday via video conferencing with chief secretaries of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh and secretaries of different ministries, reported News18, citing the government.
Regional Meteorological Centre Chief Dr S Balachadran Shares a Cyclone Alert
PIB Tamil Nadu had shared a Cyclone update by Regional Meteorological Centre chief Dr S Balachadran.
Flights May Get Affected
According to News18, flights to and from Chennai airport may get affected.
As of now, three flights from Chennai airport have been cancelled.
The airport has reportedly set up a control room where airlines, state administration and MET dept are coordinating for smooth operation, reported NDTV, citing the Chennai airport
NDMA Issue Advisory Ahead of Cyclone Nivar Landfall
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), according to News18, has issued an avisory saying:
“During a cyclone, DO NOT venture out even when the winds appear to calm down. The 'eye' of the cyclone might be passing. Winds might intensify and gush again and cause damage. Be safe inside till it is officially announced that the cyclone has passed
30 NDRF Teams on Alert
Twelve National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been positioned in Tamil Nadu, two teams in Puducherry, one team in Karaikal, three teams have been positioned in Nellore and one team in Chittoor. Three teams pre-positioned in Vishakhapatnam.
Twenty-two teams have been positioned on the ground and eight teams are on standby, said DG NDRF.
TN Govt Declares Public Holiday on 25 November
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami announced a public holiday on Wednesday as Cyclone Nivar is expected to make landfall on 25 November between Mamallapuram and Puducherry.
The state government has requested the public to stay indoors.
24 train services from Egmore to the southern parts of the state have been suspended. The suburban train services have been partially cancelled from 3pm on Tuesday until 10 am on Wednesday, until further notice.
Dry Rations, Fuel Stocked up
According to the IMD, Cyclone Nivar is expected to cross the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast between Karaikal and Mamallapuram during the late evening of 25 November. As of 2.30 pm on Tuesday, the system is located around 380 km east-southeast of Puducherry and 430 km south-southeast of Chennai.
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu held meetings with other ministers and senior officials of the government to review the preparedness to deal with the impact of the cyclone.
Arrangements have been made to stock up dry rations and fuel to be made available to the people after the cyclone.
IMD has also advised fishermen to suspend fishing operations until further notice.
Copters, Dornier Aircrafts on Standby: Indian Coast Guard
Indian Coast Guard has prepared four Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVS) for any disaster relief and to provide assistance to fishermen and merchant ships at sea.
Two helicopters are on standby for immediate launch post landfall for rescue and relief-related work, three Dornier aircrafts on standby at Visakhapatnam for launch post landfall for surveillance, damage assessment and relief.
Fifteen disaster relief teams are ready for assisting state and district administrations. Continuous liaison is being maintained with the Department of Fisheries for ensuring safety of all fishing boats and fishermen. Port authorities have been advised to ensure safety of ships at anchorage.
5 Flood Relief Teams, 1 Diving Team Ready for Deployment at Chennai
The Tamil Nadu and Puducherry naval area have carried out preparatory activities to combat the effects of Cyclone Nivar. As part of preparations, five flood relief teams and one diving team is ready for deployment at Chennai. One flood relief team each is also on standby at the naval detachment at Nagapattinam, Rameswaram and Air Station INS Parundu.
One ship, INS Jyoti has been deployed from Visakhapatnam, with hard bricks and diving teams to render assistance as required along the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts.
Depression Has Intensified Into Cyclone
The deep depression over southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm.
The Cyclone Nivar is expected to cross the Mahabalipuram-Karaikal coast by Wednesday evening. At the time of crossing, the wind speeds will be at 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph. The influence of the heavy rainfall is expected to continue till 27 November.
Extremely heavy rainfall expected in Ariyalur, Cuddalore, Mayiladurai, Kallakurichi, Perambaluru, Thiruvallur, Puducherry, Tiruvannamalai and in districts adjoining them.
ICAI Reschedules Examinations
The Institute of Charted Accountants of India has rescheduled exams for Chennai, Cuddalore, Kancheepuram, Karaikudi, Kumbakonam, Nagapattinam, Pudukottai, Tiruvallur, Villupuram and Puducherry from 24 and 25 November.
The Intermediate and IPC examination will now be held on 9 December and the Final (Old and New) examination will be held on 11 December. Admit cards will be reissued.
The schedule of examinations for all other cities shall remain unchanged.
Section 144 Imposed in Puducherry from Tonight
Following the IMD warning about the possible impact of Nivar cyclone in Puducherry, posing grave danger to life, health and safety of the public, the government has imposed Section 144.
The presence and movement of one or more persons in public spaces in Puducherry is prohibited and closure of all shops and establishments from 9 pm on 24 November to 6 am on 26 November has been ordered and is subject to further revision.
Puducherry on High Alert Ahead of Landfall
The Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy held a meeting with the revenue minister, chief secretary, collector and other senior officers regarding the preparedness for the Nivar cyclone likely to cross the Puducherry coast on 25 November late evening and 26 November early morning.
List of Trains Cancelled by Railways
In view of the developing situation, the Southern Railway has fully or partially cancelled several trains as follows:
1. Train No. 06865/06866 Chennai Egmore – Thanjavur – Chennai Egmore Special is fully cancelled on 24th and 25th November, 2020
2. Train No. 06795/06796 Chennai Egmore – Tiruchchirappalli – Chennai Egmore Special is fully cancelled on 25th November, 2020
3. Train No. 06232 Mysuru – Mayiladuturai Special is partially cancelled between Tiruchchirappalli and Mayiladuturai on 25th November, 2020
4. Train No. 06188 Ernakulam – Karaikal Special partially cancelled between Tiruchchirappalli and Karaikal on 25th November, 2020
5. Train No. 02898 Bhubaneswar – Puducherry special partially cancelled between Chennai Egmore and Puducherry on 25th November, 2020
6. Train No.06231 Mayiladuturai – Mysuru Special is partially cancelled between Mayiladuturai and Tiruchchirappalli on 25th November, 2020
7. Train No. 06187 Karaikal – Ernakulam Special partially cancelled between Karaikal and Tiruchchirappalli on 25th November, 2020
8. Train No. 02084 Coimbatore – Mayiladuturai Jan Shatabdi Special partially cancelled between Tiruchchirappalli and Mayiladuturai on 25th November, 2020
9. Train No. 02083 Mayiladuturai – Coimbatore Jan Shatabdi Special partially cancelled between Mayiladuturai and Tiruchchirappalli on 25th November, 2020
10. Train No. 02897 Puducherry – Bhubaneswar Special partially cancelled between Puducherry and Chenni Egmore on 25th November, 2020
11. Train No.02868 Puducherry – Howrah Superfast Special partially cancelled between Puducherry and Villuppuram on 25th November, 2020
PM Modi Assures Complete Support for TN, Puducherry
Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured complete support from the centre. “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,” he tweeted.
Tamil Nadu CM Issues Directions Ahead of Cyclone Nivar
Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami chaired a meeting on Monday to take stock of the preventive measures in place and requested the public to avoid venturing out of their homes unless it is essential to do so.
Officials of the local administrations, municipalities, revenue, fire, public works, highways, electricity and health have been instructed to be ready with adequate lighting equipment, JCBs, lorries, tree-removal equipment, sandbags and electric poles, to take care of any untoward incidents.
Special Officers Deputed for Monitoring Relief Work
IPS officers have been deputed to monitor and supervise the rescue and relief-related works in Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Trichy, Pudukottai, Thanjavur and Thiruvarur in Tamil Nadu.
Dr AK Viswanathan IPS, ADG of Police, Operations, Chennai will supervise the rescue works and the functioning of Flood Control Room in Chennai.
Rainfall Prediction
The RMC Chennai has predicted moderate rains along with thunder at Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur and Karaikal on Monday. On Tuesday, Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Ariyalur and Karaikal are likely to experience extremely heavy rainfall and Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Perambalur, Trichy, Pudukottai and Puducherry will receive heavy to very heavy rainfall. Vellore, Ranipet, Thiruvannamalai and Kalakurichi are predicted to receive heavy rain, while the remaining districts are likely to receive moderate rainfall.
On Wednesday, when the cyclone is expected to make a landfall, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Kalakurichi, Villupuram, Thiruvannamalai, Puducherry and Karaikal will receive extremely heavy rainfall. Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Trichy, Karur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Chennai, Thiruvallur, Ranipet, Vellore, Tirupattur, Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri will receive heavy to very heavy rainfall with thunderstorm while Erode, Namakal, Pudukottai and Salem will receive mild showers.
The rainfall is expected to continue at parts of Tamil Nadu till 27 November.
Fishermen Advised Not to Venture into Sea
“The Cyclone Nivar will provide rainfall to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry for the next three days. Some parts of delta region and northern coastal regions of Tamil Nadu will experience extremely heavy rains while the remaining places will receive mild rains on 24 and 25 November,” said Deputy Director General of Meteorology, S Balachandran.
For the next two days, the state will experience high tides up to two feet high and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea till 25 November.
Heavy Rainfall Predicted in Chennai
Chennai will receive heavy to very heavy rainfall in the next two days. Since Monday evening, the city has been experiencing rains in Egmore, Vepery, Kodambakkam, Ashok Nagar, KK Nagar and Saidapet. Chennai and surrounding areas will experience heavy to very heavy rainfall for the next two days.
Chennai Corporation Commissioner G Prakash assured that all precautionary measures have been taken ‘well in advance of the monsoon.’ He requested people not to panic about the situation and reiterated that everything was under good control.
Several low-lying areas like Mambalam, Vadapalani, Kodambakkam, Velachery have already reported inundation and falling of trees. Corporation workers have been attending to calls on an immediate basis.
Two Possible Scenarios
Pradeep John, a weather blogger, pointed out that there could be two different scenarios:
1. The landfall could be in Vedaranayam to Karaikkal on 24-25 November with wind speed of 70 km/hr. Tiruvarur, Nagai, Thanjavur, Perambalur, Ariyalur and Karaikkal will experience extreme rainfall, Trichy, Namakkal, Salem, Vilupuram, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakuruchi, Vellore, Cuddalore, Pondy, Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Chengalpet to experience very heavy rains.
2. If the landfall is in Karikkal to Chennai between 24-25 November with 120-140 km/hr wind speed, extreme rainfall in Cuddalore, Pondy, Villupuram, Kancheepuram, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Ranipet and Chengalpet and very heavy rainfall in Kallkuruchi, Nagai, Karaikkal, Permablur and Ariyalur is expected.
Cyclone Expected to Make a Landfall on Wednesday
Many parts of Tamil Nadu, especially delta districts and northern coastal regions, are expected to receive extremely heavy rainfall over the next two days. Cyclone Nivar is expected to make landfall at 6 am on 25 November.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai has predicted that a depression formed over the southwest and southeast of Bay of Bengal has intensified, and will form into a cyclonic storm on Tuesday. The cyclonic storm will further intensify to become a severe cyclone moving towards the northwest.
On Wednesday, the cyclone is expected to make a landfall between Mahabalipuram and Karaikal and at that time wind speeds will reach 100-110 km at many places, and around 120 km at certain places.
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