Chennai:
Even as the US is reeling under the impact of Hurricane Sandy, which could be the largest storm in American history, back home a possible cyclone is in the making in the Bay of Bengal- 350 km off Chennai. MET officials say that currently, it's in the form of a deep depression that could intensify into a cyclone. The cyclone is likely to have its landfall between Nagapattinam and Nellore (South Andhra Pradesh) by Wednesday evening. Already Chennai is witnessing rains and the MET department has forecast heavy rain in the region.
Both Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are gearing up for this possible cyclone. Schools and colleges are closed in Chennai today. Fishermen in Nagapattinam, Chennai and Puducherry have been asked to not venture into the sea.
"The district has a clear contingency plan; each department including the police, fire and rescue services have been allotted specific work like clearing fallen trees, evacuating people etc. and all 21 cyclone shelters are ready," the Collector of Nagapattinam Mr T Munusamy told NDTV.
Chennai Corporation Commissioner Dr D Karthikeyan said, "All field officials have been asked to stay in their field offices at night; 280 corporation schools and 4 community kitchens are ready to be used as temporary relief centres; police and corporation officials would work together; if cyclone is confirmed we would move boats to vulnerable areas as well but let's wait for confirmation and not spread panic he added".