NEW DELHI, Dec 10 (NNN-PTI) – The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), yesterday said, severe cyclonic storm, Mandous, is likely to cross north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining Andhra Pradesh coast early today.
“The severe cyclonic storm, Mandous, over South-west Bay of Bengal, moved west-north-westwards, with a speed of 12 kmph, during the past six hours, weakened into a cyclonic storm and lay centered at 8:30 a.m. local time.”
The cyclone is being monitored by Doppler Weather Radar Karaikal and Chennai,” the IMD, in a statement, said.
“It is likely to reduce to light to moderate rainfall at most places, with heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places, over north interior Tamil Nadu and Rayalaseema, and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh today,” the IMD said.
The capital city of Tamil Nadu – Chennai, woke up to torrential rain yesterday, under the influence of Mandous.
All shops along the beaches have been shut, and over 5,000 relief centres have been opened across Tamil Nadu. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), has deployed its teams in 10 districts here, with boats and tree cutters deployed in vulnerable areas.
In Puducherry, all schools and colleges have been declared shut for two days, reports said.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, until this evening, as sea condition is likely to remain high and very rough.
The IMD said, the storm surge of about 0.5 m high, above the astronomical tide, is likely to inundate low-lying areas of north coastal Tamilnadu and Puducherry, during the time of landfall.
People have been advised to remain cautious while going outside and to keep clear of vulnerable structures.– NNN-PTI
