This Article is From Oct 30, 2012

Cyclone alert issued in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh; heavy rains in Chennai

Chennai: The deep depression which had formed in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclone. The cyclone, which has been named Nilam, will cross Nagapattinam and Nellore (South Andhra Pradesh) tomorrow evening.

The wind speed will be around 80kmph and could rise to 100 kmph when the Cyclone Nilam hits. The IMD is expecting the storm surge to be around 1 metre. Low lying districts of Chennai, Kanjipuram are in danger of being inundated. 

Chennai is witnessing rains and the MET department has forecast heavy rain in the region till tomorrow. A holiday has been issued for schools and  colleges in Chennai, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Kanchepuram districts and Union Territory of Puducherry.

Fishermen in Nagapattinam, Chennai and Puducherry have been asked to not venture into the sea.

Authorities in both Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are gearing up for cyclone Nilam.

"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 has said that the city is prepared for the cyclone. "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; we will move boats to vulnerable areas as well," Dr Karthikeyan said.

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