(G.N.S) Dt. 24
Chennai/Puducherry
Cyclone 450 km away from Tamilnadu’s Chennai. Section 144 imposed in Puducherry.
The first cyclonic storm of this year’s northeast monsoon is likely to bring extremely heavy rain to one or two places in the delta region and the northern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday and Wednesday.
To be named ‘Nivar’, as suggested by Iran, according to the list prepared by the World Meteorological Organisation’s panel, the weather system, currently a deep depression over southwest Bay of Bengal, is about 360 km east-southeast of Puducherry and 420 km southeast of Chennai.
As per the current prediction by the India Meteorological Department on Tuesday, cyclone Nivar could make a landfall between Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu and Karaikal district in the Puducherry region.
Helpline numbers issued..
Cuddalore: The Cuddalore district administration has established control rooms at the District Collectorate (04142 220700/233933/221383/221113), Cuddalore Revenue Divisional Office (04142-231284), Chidambaram Sub-Collector Office (04144-222256/290037) and Vriddhachalam Sub-Collector Office (04143-260248).
Karaikal: Free helpline numbers – 1070/ 1077, Control Room – 04368 – 228801 227704, Whatsapp number – 99438 06263.
Perambalur: People in need of help can contact the helpline number 1077.
Tiruvarur: WhatsApp number 93453 36838. Toll free number 1077
Pudukottai: 1077 or 04322-222207
The Puducherry government has declared Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code from 9 p. m on November 24 to 6 a. m on November 26 as a precautionary measure to prevent any loss of life due to Nivar cyclone, says Minister for Revenue M. O. H. F Shahjahan.
Cyclone Nivar now lies 450 south west of Chennai rustling up windspeeds of upto 85 km, according to the latest update from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Nivar is expected to grow stronger and become a ‘severe cyclone’ by 1130 pm and make landfall between Karaikal and Mamallapuram on Wednesday evening with windspeeds in the range of 100-110 kmph and gusting to nearly 120 kmph.
The storm is expected to fell standing crop, trees and blow away thatched rooftops according to officials from the Met department and advisories have been in place since Sunday to fishermen to avoid the sea.
Puducherry has hoisted cyclone warning 7. A signal 7 means the cyclone is likely to cross coast over or near the port. Signals 5, 6 and 7 indicate danger to 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.
PM Narendra Modi speaks to CM’s of TamilNadu and Puducherry
As the northern districts of Tamil Nadu and the neighbouring Union Territory of Puducherry are bracing for cyclone Nivar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday morning spoke to both the Chief Ministers to review preparatory arrangements.
“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,” Mr. Modi tweeted.
