South India coast braces for cyclonic storm Nivar

mangaloretoday.com/ yahoo

Chennai, Nov 25, 2020: 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 November 25.

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’.

Authorities have banned public gatherings and closed shops as more than 1,000 rescue personnel mobilised against a powerful cyclone barrelling towards the southeastern coast, bringing heavy rains and strong winds.

The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), took stock of the status of the cyclonic storm and assure 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.

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 November 25, the top meteorologist said. 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.