Cyclone Nivar highlights: Another low pressure in Bay of Bengal, likely to intensify into depression

Powerful Cyclone Nivar, packing estimated wind speeds of 120 to 130 kmph, made its landfall as a very severe cyclonic storm near Puducherry coast in the wee hours of Thursday. In its latest updates, IMD said that severe cyclonic storm Nivar expected to move northwest and weaken into a cyclonic storm in districts of south-interior Karnataka. Fishermen have been advised not to go to sea in coastal Andhra Pradesh and coastal Tamil Nadu. Chennai to have moderate rainfall till tomorrow. Stay tuned for live updates.

Tamil Nadu to receive heavy rains next week

Tamil Nadu will receive heavy rains next week, thanks to a low pressure that is likely to form over south-east of the Bay of Bengal in the next 48 hours. The low pressure is likely to intensify into a depression by November 30, even as the state is yet to firm up the damages caused by Cyclone Nivar.

An aerial view of flooded Mudichur area following heavy rain triggered by Cyclone Nivar, in Chennai. Credit: PTI Photo

Nivar now a deep depression

Nivar weakens further into a deep depression and is moving northwards today South Rayalseema region in Andhra Pradesh. It is set to further weaken into a Depression in the next few hours and then into a low pressure area.

IMD forecasts rain and thunderstorms till November 30 for Tamil Nadu

IMD issues heavy rainfall warning to Tamil Nadu for November 26 and thunderstorm warning for 4 days till November 30. The department named Coastal Tamil Nadu, Karaikal and Pucherry areas the areas most likely to receive heavy rains and thunderstorms.

People stand in a queue to board the metro train during rain after the landfall of Cyclone Nivar, in Bengaluru. Credit: PTI Photo

IMD issues yellow warning for South Interior Karnataka including Bengaluru

"Rainfall at many places with heavy rainfall at isolated places," says IMD or November 26 with no warning in a bulletin at 6 pm, but forecasts rainfall at many places in South Interior Karnataka including Bengaluru.

Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalseema regions have been issued red warning. "Rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and extremely heavy falls at isolated places," says IMD for Rayalseema and "Rainfall at most places with isolated heavy to very heavy falls over coastal Andhra Pradesh and isolated extremely heavy falls over south coastal Andhra Pradesh," says IMD for Andhra Pradesh.

TN minister inspects damage caused by cyclone to Nagapattinam fishing harbour

Tamil Nadu Minister O S Manian on Thursday inspected the damage caused by the cyclone to the rubble mound wall of the under-construction fishing harbour at Tarangambadiin Nagapattinam district. Local fishermen appealed to the Handlooms Minister to increase the width and theheight of the wall to prevent damage by natural calamities in the future.

To this, the Minister said the Union government's attention would be drawn to the issue and suitable measures would be taken. The harbour was being constructed at a cost of Rs 120 crore.

NDRF personnel carry out a rescue operation to move locals to safer places after the landfall of Cyclone Nivar, at Mudichur in Chennai. Credit: PTI Photo

After Cyclone Nivar, Tamil Nadu likely to receive heavy rains again next week: IMD

Slammed by the severe cyclonic storm Nivar early Thursday, Tamil Nadu is likely to receive another spell of very heavy rainfall as a fresh low pressure area is expected to form in the Bay of Bengal from November 29 onwards, the IMD said.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General Mrutunjay Mohapatra said the low pressure area likely to form on November 29 may bring very heavy rains over Tamil Nadu.

He, however, said it needs to be seen whether the low pressure area will intensify into a cyclone. A low pressure area is the first stage of formation of a cyclone.

INCOIS issues high wave and wind alert along AP coast

Squally wind speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph along and off Andhra Pradesh coast and adjoining west central Bay of Bengal during next 06 hours and gradual decrease thereafter.

Sea condition is very high to phenomenal, along and off south coastal Andhra Pradesh. It will gradually become rough to very rough by noon of 26th Nov and improve further by evening of 26th Nov 2020.

Sea condition is rough to very rough over westcentral Bay of Bengal and along and off south Andhra Pradesh coast Fishermen are advised not to venture into these sea areas, says IMD.

TN govt issues warning to fishermen, advises them not to venture out to sea

Squally wind speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph likely to prevail over North TN coast during next 6 hours and improve thereafter. Sea condition is rough to very rough over north TN, Puducherry coast during next 6 hours and improves thereafter. Fishermen advised not to venture into these sea areas. '

Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services issues high wave alert in north and south Tamil Nadu coast with waves reaching 4.5 metres in height.

High wave alert on south TN coast with waves reaching 3.7 metres in height.

Discharge from Chembarambakkam lake in Tamil Nadu reduced

Authorities on Thursday drastically scaled down the discharge from Chembarambakkam lake here, a day after releasing a torrent of surplus water into river Adyar following heavy rains as cyclone Nivar approached the coast. Residents heaved as sigh of relief on seeing lesser water gushing out today as delayed opening of the reservoir in 2015 after very heavy rains was seen as a trigger for the devastating floods that hit the city then, though the government had rejected it.

Officials of the Water Resources Department (WRD) reduced the discharge from about 5,000 cusecs on Wednesday to about 1,500 cusecs today as inflows into the lake declined sharply. The quantum of discharge is likely to be brought further down to 500 cusecs to maintain the water level in the lake at 22 feet as against its full level of 24 feet, officials said.

Nivar weakens into deep depression

Nivar now over north coastal Tamil Nadu moving north-northwestwards with a speed of 15 kmph in the last six hours, weakened into a deep depression and lay centered over South Rayalseema, Andhra Pradesh. It will weaken into a depression in the next 6 hours and into a low pressure area in the subsequent 12 hours, said the TN govt in an alert.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places very likely over north Tamil Nadu, it added.

A car lies buried under an uprooted tree after heavy rain following the landfall of Cyclone Nivar, in Puducherry. Credit: PTI Photo

15,000 hectare of paddy fields are under water in Tamil Nadu's Cuddalore district.

Cyclone Nivar brings torrential rains to Andhra Pradesh; one dead in state

Normal life was thrown out of gear as heavy to extremely heavy rainfall ranging from 6 cm to 30 cm battered at least half of Andhra Pradesh under the influence of cyclone Nivar, leaving one dead. Another farmer was feared washed away while NDRF personnel rescued two others from a reservoir in Chittoor district.

According to the State Disaster Management Authority, SPS Nellore, Chittoor, Kadapa, Krishna, Prakasam and East Godavari districts received heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at more than 177 places.

Other districts like Anantapuramu, Kurnool, Guntur and West Godavari were also receiving moderate to heavy rainfall under Nivars impact.

People wade along a waterlogged road after heavy rains following Cyclone Nivar landfall, in Puducherry. Credit: AFP Photo

Cyclone Nivar: Chennai witnesses strong winds, trees uprooted in many parts

Nivar is now over north coastal Tamil Nadu moving northwestwards with a speed of 12 kmph during the past six hours and lay centered at 1130 hrs 105 km west of Chennai, said an alert from the Tamil Nadu govt. Nivar would weaken into a deep depression during the next 6 hours and into a depression in the subsequent 6 hours, it added.

A man wading through neck-deep water to reach his village from another which is cut off due to floods in Mandagapatti village near Marakannam in Villupuram district in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu: Water logging in Chennai's Madipakkam area after rainfall last night. Credit: ANI

Landfall happened yesterday at midnight. 25 NDRF teams were assigned, 15 in Tamil Nadu, 4 in Puducherry and 6 in Andhra Pradesh. Cyclone is weakening gradually but it has potential to cause further damage. Precautionary measures being taken: DIG NDRF.

People wade along a waterlogged road after heavy rains following Cyclone Nivar landfall, in Puducherry. Credit: AFP

Volunteers distributes rice porridge to residents along a waterlogged road after heavy rains following Cyclone Nivar landfall, in Puducherry. Credit: AFP

A boy wades through waterlogged water in a residential area following heavy rains after Cyclone Nivar landfall, in Puducherry. Credit: AFP

Residents stand along a waterlogged street after heavy rains following Cyclone Nivar landfall, in Puducherry. Credit: AFP.

Emergency and rescue workers clear a street after a tree fell due to heavy rains and strong winds after after Cyclone Nivar landfall, in Puducherry. Credit: AFP

Air, Metrorail, bus services resume in Tamil Nadu

State-run bus transportation services, suspended in Villupuram, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur and Pudukottai districts from November 24, resumed from noon today.

Read more here

Men stand on a road divider next to dogs along a waterlogged road after heavy rains following Cyclone Nivar landfall, in Puducherry. Credit: AFP

Rescuers in Puducherry to restore power and clear fallen trees, but waterlogging is still a major concern. Credit: AFP

People wade along a waterlogged road after heavy rains following Cyclone Nivar landfall, in Puducherry. Credit: AFP

Motorists make their way along a waterlogged road after heavy rains following Cyclone Nivar landfall, in Puducherry. Credit: AFP

Three deaths, three people injured, 101 huts damaged, and 380 fallen trees removed. There is a complete restoration of essential services: Atulya Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary, Tamil Nadu.

Severe Cyclonic Storm Nivar weakened into a Cyclonic Storm over north coastal Tamil Nadu. Nivar would continue to move northwestwards and weaken further into a deep depression during the next six hours and into a depression by subsequent six hours: IMD.

An uprooted tree that fell on a house damaged due to cyclone Nivar yesterday night, in Puducherry. Credit: PTI

Workers remove the uprooted trees at a storm-affected area, in the aftermath of cyclone Nivar yesterday night, in Puducherry. Credit: PTI

Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy oversees the work of clearing the streets by field staff, in the aftermath of cyclone Nivar yesterday night, in Puducherry. Credit: PTI.

Cyclone Nivar: Heavy rains batter Puducherry, trees uprooted

Heavy downpour triggered by very severe cyclonic storm Nivar lashed Puducherry and its suburbs on Thursday, uprooting trees, damaging electric poles and leaving several areas inundated.

Read more here

Puducherry CM V Narayanasamy visits different areas to assess the damage by Cyclone Nivar. Credit: ANI

Puducherry: CM V Narayanasamy visits different areas to assess the damage by Cyclone Nivar. "Heavy rainfall of 23 cm in 24 hours was observed. No report of loss of life. We've never seen such torrential rains here. Electricity in the city will be restored in 12 hours," he says.

Puducherry: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel clear uprooted trees in Kamaraj Nagar area. Credit: ANI.

Severe cyclonic storm Nivar expected to move Northwest wards and weaken into cyclonic storm in districts of south-interior Karnataka: IMD

Severe cyclonic storm Nivar expected to move Northwest wards and weaken into cyclonic storm in districts of south-interior Karnataka. Fishermen advised not to go to sea in South-coastal Andhra Pradesh and North-coastal Tamil Nadu. Chennai to have moderate rainfall till tomorrow: IMD.

Cyclone Nivar makes landfall along coasts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry

In an early morning update, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) said 267 trees fell due to the effect of the cyclone on Wednesday night and that 223 of them have already been cleared.

Cyclone Nivar: Nearly 300 trees uprooted in Chennai

Nearly 300 trees, including those on arterial roads in the city, were uprooted due to gusty winds that travelled as far as over 100 km from where the very severe cyclonic storm made its landfall in the wee hours of Thursday.

Read more here

Uprooted tree in Chennai due to the Cyclone Nivar. Credit: DH photo

River Araniar at Pudavayal in Tiruvallur district in Tamil Nadu continues to flow in extreme flood situation: State government.

Workers try to fix the drains in Chennai after incessant rains led to waterlogging in parts of the city. Credit: DH Photo/ETB Sivapriyan.

Chennai Airport resumes operations after 14 hours. The operations were suspended at 7 pm on Wednesday in view of Cyclone Nivar. The operations resumed at 9 am: DHNS.

Cyclone Nivar wrecks havoc in Puducherry. Credit: ANI

Tamil Nadu: Waterlogging in parts of Chennai following overnight rainfall due to Cyclone Nivar.

Fishermen move their boats to a safer place near Mamallapuram before Nivar hit the region. Credit: PTI

The closure of the airport due to Cyclone Nivar stands extended till 0900hrs of today: Chennai Airport.

An elderly woman rests at a relief camp set up in a school in Puducherry. Credit: AFP

Cyclone Nivar makes landfall near Puducherry, weakens into severe cyclonic storm

Powerful Cyclone Nivar, packing estimated wind speeds of 120 to 130 kmph, made its landfall as a very severe cyclonic storm near Puducherry coast in the wee hours of Thursday. The centre of the cyclone took three hours to cross the coast, the Indian Meteorological Department said in an update at around 3.30 am. The terse update said the centre of the cyclone, which travelled at a speed of 16 km per hour, began its landfall at 11.30 pm on Wednesday and completed at 2.30 am on Thursday. After landing, the very severe cyclonic storm weakened into a severe cyclonic storm. "It would continue to move north-westwards and weaken further into a cyclonic storm in the next six hours, the IMD added.

Read more

Located at 25 km East of Puducherry, centre of Cyclone Nivar to cross the coast near Puducherry within the next two hours

Very severe cyclonic storm Nivar lies over SW Bay of Bengal, about 25 km east of Puducherry & 100 km S-SW of Chennai (Tamil Nadu). Landfall process continues. Centre of cyclone to coast near Puducherry within next 2 hours with wind speed of 120-130 kmph gusting to 14 kmph: IMD. -ANI

Once bitten twice shy, Chennai residents park cars on flyover

As the very severe cyclonic storm Nivar inched closer to the coast, residents of one of the worst hit areas during the 2015 deluge here found a flyover the safer place to park their cars to avert their vehicles from getting submerged.

Centre of Cyclone Nivar to cross coast near Puducherry within next 3 hours: IMD

Very severe cyclonic storm Nivar now lies about 50 km east-southeast of Cuddalore, about 40 km east southeast of Puducherry. Landfall process commences. Centre of Cyclone Nivar to cross coast near Puducherry within next 3 hours: IMD. -ANI

Cuddalore saw 139 mm or rain between 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm followed by Puducherry with 128 mm of rain and Chennai with 89 mm of rainfall in the hour, says IMD.

Eye of cyclone to cross coast near Puducherry within next 3 hours.

Packing wind speeds of 120-130 kmph gusting up to 145 kmph, Cyclone Nivar begins its landfall near Puducherry as a severe cyclonic storm, says IMD.

Severe cyclonic storm Nivar begins landfall process. To hit 30 km north of Puducherry.

After 3 am intensity of cyclone will decrease. However, rainfall will continue tomorrow: S Balachandran, IMD Chennai.

Landfall process to begin around 11 pm: IMD

Landfall process to begin in about an hour.

Very severe cyclonic storm Nivar will bring 120-130 kmph winds gusting to 145 kmph, it is 60 kmph east of Cuddalore.

Boats anchored at a coastal area before the landfall of Cyclone Nivar, in Mamallapuram. Credit: PTI Photo

Police issue flood alert in Chennai's Saidapet, Nandanam areas.

Water released from Chembarambakkam Lake

In Chennai, people living in low-lying areas on the banks of Adyar River were asked to be vigilant and move to safety as the Public Works Department (PWD) released 5,000 cusecs of water from the Chembarambakkam Lake, one of the reservoirs that supply water to the city.

Release of water from the lake caused much fear among people as it is widely believed that discharge of excess water from Chembarambakkam Lake at “one go” led to unprecedented floods in Chennai in the first week of December 2015.

Landfall to take over two hours

Cyclone Nivar also increased its speed from 7 kmph at 5.30 am to 16 kmph at 5.30 pm and intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm Wednesday evening, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting the landfall to be around Puducherry.

“The cyclone will begin its landfall on Wednesday night. It would take more than two hours for Cyclone Nivar to complete its landfall. It will cross the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast as a very severe cyclone,” IMD told DH. As per IMD bulletin released at 5 pm, the cyclone was moving at a speed of 16 km per hour and will pack winds with the speed of 120 to 130 km per hour gushing up to 145 km per hour.

Cyclone lay 80 km east-southeast of Cuddalore, 85 km southeast of Puducherry, and 160 km southeast of Chennai at 5.30 pm on Wednesday. It will make landfall around Puducherry by Thursday morning.

Joint CSIR - UGC NET Examination in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry postponed as a result of Cyclone Nivar.

Cyclone Nivar near Cuddalore coast, landfall expected around 11 pm.

Rains cause 20 foot deep sinkhole near Chennai Central Railway Station, report local media.

Residents shelter from heavy rain under umbrellas while walking along a deserted road as cyclone Nivar approaches the southeastern Indian coast in Puducherry. Credit: AFP Photo

Strong winds blow in Chennai ahead of Cyclone Nivar's expected landfall; visuals from Marina Beach road.

IMD issues fresh red warnings to Puducherry and eight districts in TN. Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Nagappatinam, Thanjavur, Pudukottai, Thiruvarur districts issued warnings as Nivar nears landfall.

People evacuated from low-lying areas will be provided with essentials: Puducherry CM

INS Sumitra is sailing from Visakhapatnam Wednesday night with 3 HADR bricks and 5 flood relief teams for rendering assistance in the aftermath of cyclone. INS Sumitra along with INS Jyoti can be utilized for transferring relief material along Tamil Nadu coast.

Fishermen move towards a safer place from a coastal area, as Cyclone Nivar is expected to make landfall, in Mamallapuram. Credit: PTI Photo

Chennai Airport suspends operations from 7 pm Wednesday to 7 am on Thursday. "The decision has been taken considering the safety aspect of passengers and the severity of the approaching Cyclone Nivar," the airport said.

Cyclone Nivar intensifies into very severe cyclonic storm and is moving at a speed of 16 kmph. The landfall is expected to be between Wednesday midnight and early Thursday. The landfall may take at least two hours.

Fishermen move their boats to a safer place near Mamallapuram before the landfall of Cyclone Nivar, in Mamallapuram. Credit: PTI Photo

Heavy rain lashes Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu.

Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, Ariyalur, Tiruvallur, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore districts in Tamil Nadu and Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh have been issued a red warning by IMD.

Tamil Nadu CM Palaniswami asks citizens to stay indoors

Indian Coast Guard deploys four OPVs at sea with disaster relief items, for immediate use in affected areas. Despite very very rough sea conditions, Coast Guard ships are ready to face adversity and provide succor to the needed: ICG

Indian Army increases the number of teams deployed for the cyclone considering the situation. Eight teams are being placed each at Chennai and Puducherry. Six teams are placed at Trichy.

Fishermen pull a fishing net on a beach as cyclone Nivar approaches, in Beruwala, some 58 kms from the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo. Credit: AFP

Southern Railway cancels seven trains on November 26 because of Cyclone Nivar.

Because of Cyclone Nivar, coastal and north interior Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, south coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema and southeast Telangana will witness fairly widespread rainfall: IMD.

Cyclone Nivar: CM B S Yediyurappa directs officials to take necessary measures

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Wednesday said that he had directed concerned officials to take necessary measures to control effects of Cyclone Nivar.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, he said,"It is not possible to stop the cyclone but,we can take measures to control itseffect."

Bengaluru, its adjoining districts, Chamarajanagara and coastal Karnataka would witness heavy rainfall, authorities said.

Read more here

People have been advised to stay indoors. People living in low-lying areas should go to safer places. 80 centers have been identified where food and medicines are being provided. We shall restore electricity within 12 hours: Puducherry CM V Narayanasamy.

26 flights from and to Chennai cancelled due to Cyclone Nivar, says Chennai Airport.

Scattered heavy to very heavy rain likely at isolated places over Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam,Cuddalore, Chennai, Kanchipuram,Chengalpattu, Myladuthirai, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Kallakurchi, Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai: Met Dept,Chennai.

Two trains fully cancelled for today, three for tomorrow and one for 28th November. A total of five trains partially cancelled: Southern Railways.

Cyclone Nivar increases speed, to cross Puducherry coast Wednesday night or early Thursday

Packing a punch, Cyclone Nivar increased its speed to 11 km per hour on the course to make landfall between Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts by Wednesday night or early Thursday morning packing winds to the speed of 120 to 130 km per hour gushing up to 145 km per hour.

Read more here

People use plastic sheets to cover from heavy rains in Chennai as cyclone Nivar approaches the southeastern coast of the country. Credit: AFP

Cyclone Nivar will impact Puducherry and Karaikal most: Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, DG, IMD

Cyclone Nivar gradually intensifying. It could cause structural damage, uprooting of trees, damage to thatched/tin houses, and damage to banana and paddy crops. There'll be strong winds and heavy rain. The most impact will be in Puducherry and Karaikal: Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, DG, IMD.

Army ready to assist government and civil administration in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry: Southern Command, Indian Army

Army ready to assist government and civil administration in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to face Cyclone Nivar, maintaining communication with officials. Twelve humanitarian assistance and disaster relief teams and two engineer task forces ready for deployment: Southern Command, Indian Army.

Severe cyclonic storm Nivar moved towards west-northwest direction with a speed of 11 kmph and latitude 10.7 ° in the southwest Bay of Bengal in the last six hours: IMD.

Cyclone Warning for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts. Cyclone NIVAR to cross Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram around Puducherry during mid-night of 25th and early hours of 26th Nov as VSCS: IMD

Chennai receives heavy rainfall

In relief camps, we need to ensure Covid-19 protocols are followed & masks, sanitisers are available. There's an inventory of 27 items per person which we keep ready, this also includes dignity kit for women: Atulya Misra, Additional Chief Secretary, Tamil Nadu Govt.

Cyclone Nivar is making its presence felt in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and parts of Andhra Pradesh. Please follow all safety measures. I appeal to all Congress workers to provide assistance to those in need. Stay indoors, stay safe: Rahul Gandhi.

Cyclone Nivar: Excess water from Chembarambakkam to be released

Around 1,000 cusecs of water will be released from the Chembarambakkam Lake, one of the reservoirs that supply water to Chennai, on Wednesday afternoon, authorities said and appealed to the people not to “fear” due to opening of the lake.

Read more here

Puducherry or Mamallapuram? Confusion over where Cyclone Nivar will make landfall

However, there was confusion over the cyclone's landfall area with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) projecting it to be around Puducherry and independent weather bloggers suggesting that the very severe cyclonic storm will cross between Mamallapuram and Kalpakkam, 70 km from Chennai.

Read more here

Tamil Nadu: Water logging in some parts of the city of Chennai, due to heavy rainfall ahead of Cyclone Nivar's landfall

Tamil Nadu govt pulling out all stops to ensure no repeat of 2015 floods in Chennai

The Tamil Nadu government is pulling out all stops to ensure no repeat of the 2015 floods in the city, as they mounted a vigil on four reservoirs, anticipating a rapid rise in water levels in view of heavy rains forecast due to cyclone Nivar, likely to cross the state coast on Wednesday. The administration has taken necessary precautions to release the water in phases and avert flooding, as in 2015, in the event of an upsurge in the storage levels, a senior PWD department official said.

Read more here

Central control room operating from State Disaster Management Control Room to provide help to the public: CM Velu Narayanasamy

Central control room operating from State Disaster Management Control Room to provide help to the public. People from low lying areas evacuated. They will be provided with food, water, hand sanitisers and face masks. The fishermen advised not to venture into the sea: Puducherry CM Velu Narayanasamy.

'Cyclone Nivar lays 350 km SE of Chennai moving northwest'

Cyclone Nivar lays 350 km SE of Chennai moving northwest and likely to intensify into severe cyclonic storm and cross between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram today late evening or night. While crossing wind speed likely to touch 145 kmph: Area Cyclone Warning Centre, Chennai.

A fisherman anchors his boat as cyclone Nivar approaches the eastern Indian coast, at Kasimedu fishing harbour in Chennai. Credit: AFP.

Pedestrians wade through a waterlogged road during heavy rain triggered by Cyclone Nivar, in Chennai. Credit: PTI

Motorists wade through a water-logged road in Broadway in Chennai on Tuesday. Credit: DH photo.

Cyclone Nivar over southwest Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 6 kmph during past six hours and lay centred at 0230 hrs IST today over southwest Bay of Bengal: India Meteorological Dept.

Cyclone Nivar is very likely to intensify further into a very severe cyclonic storm during next 12 hrs: IMD

Cyclone Nivar intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and lay centred at 2330 hrs IST of 24th November over southwest Bay of Bengal. It is about 310 km of Cuddalore and is very likely to intensify further into a very severe cyclonic storm during next 12 hrs: India Meteorological Dept.

Cyclone Nivar bringing rainy week to Bengaluru

The cyclone is expected to result in heavy rainfall across south interior Karnataka on November 25 and 26. “Bengaluru is expected to get a share of this along with Chamarajanagar, Chikkaballapur, Kolar, Mysuru and more,” she says.

Read more here

Tamil Nadu govt pulling out all stops to ensure no repeat of 2015 floods in Chennai

The Tamil Nadu government is pulling out all stops to ensure no repeat of the 2015 floods in the city, as they mounted a vigil on four reservoirs, anticipating a rapid rise in water levels in view of heavy rains forecast due to cyclone Nivar, likely to cross the state coast on Wednesday.

Read more

22 teams available on ground, says NDRF

Ahead of ‘Cyclone Nivar’, a total of 22 teams are available on the ground and 8 teams are on standby, informed SN Pradhan, Director General, National Disaster Response Force while addressing a press conference in Delhi on November 24.

Read more

Vehicles ply on a waterlogged road during heavy rain triggered by Cyclone Nivar, in Chennai, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. Credit: PTI Photo

Viluppuram MP Ravikumar writes to Tamil Nadu CM requesting to enforce precautionalry measure to tackle the cyclone along with measures to tackle coronavirus spread

WATCH | Water enters the house of late #DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi in Gopalapuram in Chennai . The city has been experiencing rains since Monday night.

Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba chaired a meeting of NCMC today via video conferencing

In view of Cyclone Nivar, Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba chaired a meeting of National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) today via video conferencing with chief secretaries of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Andhra Pradesh & secretaries of different ministries.

During the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary assured all necessary Central assistance to the state governments to overcome this situation.

Cyclone Nivar likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during next 6 hours

Cyclonic storm Nivar over southwest Bay of Bengal moved westwards about 320 km east-southeast of Cuddalore, about 350 km southeast of Puducherry and 410 km east southeast of Chennai. It is very likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during next 6 hours.

Heavy rainfall recorded in Chennai from 0830 hours IST to 1730 hours IST of today:

Numgabakkam: 96 mm
Minabakkam: 86 mm

Source: IMD

Storm influenced rain leads to traffic congestion, inundation

Several roads and intersections witnessed traffic congestion and waterlogging here on Tuesday in view of the intermittent rains influenced by the cyclonic storm 'Nivar.'

The government, meanwhile, said following better storage in city's reservoirs, drinking water supply in the metropolis is set to be increased effective Wednesday.

Anna Salai, GST Road and Kathipara junction were among the locations that witnessed traffic snarls and several places came under sheets of water and vehicles moved at a slow pace.

While social media users shared videos of flooded roads like the Tiru-Vi-Ka Salai and Wall Tax Road, stagnant rain water at locations including the Kathipara point was pumped out by Chennai Corporation workers and they also removed 90 uprooted trees.

Police teams patrolled the city roads and people who turned up at the popular city and suburban beaches like the Marina and Neelangarai were dispersed by police personnel.

(PTI)

Fishermen move their boats as cyclone Nivar approaches the eastern Indian coast, in Mahabalipuram on November 24, 2020.

Photo credit: AFP Photo

NCMC reviews preparedness for very severe cyclone Nivar; assures help to TN, Andhra, Puducherry

The NCMC on Tuesday took stock of the status of the "very severe cyclonic storm" 'Nivar' that is expected to hit coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Wednesday, and assure the states of all possible help, including the early release of disaster relief fund.

The National Crisis Management Committee (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, an official spokesperson said.

The NCMC reviewed the status of impending cyclone Nivar at a meeting held through video conferencing with the chief secretaries of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

The chief secretaries of the three states, directors general of India Meteorological Department and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) briefed the NCMC about their preparedness and mentioned that the authorities are fully prepared to meet any eventuality.

The chief of the NDRF said so far 30 teams of the force have been deployed in the three states, while 20 more teams have been kept on standby for immediate deployment.

(PTI)

An elderly woman pushes her cart on a waterlogged road during heavy rain triggered by Cyclone Nivar, in Chennai, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020.

Credit: PTI Photo

TN govt pulling out all stops to ensure no repeat of 2015 floods in city

The Tamil Nadu government is pulling out all stops to ensure no repeat of the 2015 floods in the city,as they mounted a vigil on four reservoirs,anticipating a rapid rise in water levels in view of heavy rains forecast due to cyclone Nivar,likely to cross the state coast on Wednesday.

The administration has taken necessary precautions to release the water in phases and avert flooding, as in 2015, in the event of upsurge in the storage levels, a senior PWD department official said.

The combined storage level in the reservoirs at Poondi, Cholavaram, Red Hills and Chembarambakkam stood at 64.15 per cent or 8.156 TMC ft against the full capacity of 12.713 TMC ft, which is slightly higher compared to the quantum two days ago.

Chembarambakkam which has nearly 80 per cent water (21.22 feet against its full level capacity of 24 feet) has become a cause for concern for residents, reminding them of the 2015 deluge.

(PTI)

Cyclone Nivar: Deep depression off Tamil Nadu intensifies into cyclonic storm, to cross coast on Wednesday

The Tamil Nadu government said people may contact the emergency call centres at 044-28888105 and 7338895011.

Read more

Cyclone Nivar: 1200 rescue troopers deployed, 800 on standby, says NDRF chief

An NDRF team typically comprises about 40 rescue troopers.

A total of 22 teams have been pre-deployed while eight are on standby in the two affected states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, and in the Union Territory of Puducherry, Pradhan said.

Read more

Tamil Nadu: In connection with Cyclone Nivar, metro train services will run with Holiday Train services timetable tomorrow with service hours from 7 am to 10 pm with the headway of every 10 minutes, says Chennai Metro

Andhra CM asks Collectors to be vigilant in view of cyclone Nivar

With a heavy rainfall of 11-20 cm expected in south coastal and Rayalaseema districts under the influence of cyclone Nivar, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday asked the Collectors to be on a high alert and take all necessary precautionary measures to prevent damage.

The Chief Minister held a video conference with Collectors of SPS Nellore, Prakasam, Guntur, Krishna, Chittoor, Kadapa, Kurnool and Anantapuramu districts and reviewed the situation in view of the cyclone.

Though the cyclone would make its landfall in Tamil Nadu, heavy rains were likely in south coastal and Rayalaseema districts from Wednesday evening, the Chief Minister said.

(PTI)

Deep depression off TN intensifies into cyclonic storm, to cross coast on Wednesday

The deep depression over Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclone and is likely to cross the coast between Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as a severe storm on Wednesday.

The official machinery has been put on high alert in Tamil Nadu and the neighbouring union territory of Puducherry and extensive precautionary measures, including evacuation of people from vulnerable areas, taken, the governments said.

The cyclone christened 'Nivar' was very likely to cross the coast between Karaikal in Puducherry and Mamallapuram, over 50 kms from here, on Wednesday late evening as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 100-110 km per hour gusting to 120 kmph, the Met department said on Tuesday.

It said rainfall is very likely at most places in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, near Nagapattinam, on Wednesday with heavy to very heavy showers at a few places and extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places under the influence of the cyclone, the first one to form since the onset of the northeast monsoon on October 28.

(PTI)

Six special trains of TVM division cancelled in view of TN cyclone

Six special trains of the Thiruvananthapuram division of the Southern Railways, have been cancelled on November 25 in view of the IMD forecast of cyclonic storm Nivar making landfall over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts. Trains which have been cancelled are: Train No.02634 KanyakumariChennai Egmore Daily Superfast Express Special;

Train No 02633 Chennai EgmoreKanyakumari Daily Superfast Express Special;Train No06724 KollamChennai Egmore Daily (Ananthapuri) Express Special;Train No 06723 Chennai EgmoreKollam Daily (Ananthapuri) Express Special;Train No.06102 KollamChennai Egmore Express Special via Sengottai, Madurai Jn andTrain No 06101 Chennai Egmore Kollam Express Special via Madurai Jn, Sengottai.

The railways has said full refund would be granted to passengers of the cancelled trains,a press release said.

(PTI)

MAPS braces for Cyclone 'Nivar'; protection machinery activated:official

Unit II at the Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS) in neighbouring Kalpakkam was operating at full capacity of 220MW and all the systems were expected to 'successfully' withstand the impact of Cyclone 'Nivar' when it crosses the eastern coast, a top official said on Tuesday.

The Atomic Power Station situation is located about 70 km from Chennai on the East Coast Road.

"All the plant systems are operating normal and expected to successfully withstand the impact of cyclone Nivar, when it crosses the coast," IGCAR Station Director M Srinivas said.

(PTI)

Cyclone Nivar is presently concentrated at 370 km ESE of Puducherry; to move West-North Westwards for next 12 hrs and then North Westwards: Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, DG, IMD

We are keeping a close watch 24/7 on Cyclone Nivar and are coordinating with all the three states. Our teams are also available across all the three states: DG

The Cyclonic Storm Nivar over southwest Bay of Bengal remained practically stationary during past 6 hours, and lay centred at 0830 hrs IST of 24th November, 2020 over southwest Bay of Bengal near latitude 10.0°N and longitude 83.0°E, about 410 km easts

Fishermen are advised not to venture into southwest and adjoining westcentral & southeast Bay of Bengal, Gulf of Mannar and along & off Tamilnadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh coasts during 24th to 25th November.

12 teams positioned in Tamil Nadu, 2 teams in Puducherry & 1 team in Karaikal

12 teams positioned in Tamil Nadu, 2 teams in Puducherry & 1 team in Karaikal. 3 teams positioned in Nellore & 1 team in Chittoor. 3 teams pre-positioned in Vizag. Total 22 teams available on the ground & 8 teams on standby. Total 30 teams committed: DG NDRF

Appeal to all Congress workers to provide assistance to those in need: Rahul

"Cyclone Nivar is making its presence felt in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and parts of Andhra Pradesh. Please follow all safety measures. I appeal to all Congress workers to provide assistance to those in need. Stay indoors, stay safe," tweets Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

Depression over Gulf of Aden and adjoining Somalia weakened into a well marked low pressure area.

Extremely heavy rainfall expected in coastal and north interior Tamil Nadu districts on 25th November. The most vulnerable zone is north Tamil Nadu districts: Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, DG, IMD

Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi K Palaniswami declares statewide public holiday tomorrow as Cyclone Nivar is expected to cross Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram during late evening

NDRF to be depolyed with PPE to tackle Covid-19 amid Cyclone Nivar

NDRF pre-positions 12 teams in TamilNadu and 3 teams in Puducherry

NDRF pre-positions 12 teams in TamilNadu and 3 teams in Puducherry. All deployed teams are assisting the local administration in evacuation of the people from areas that are likely to be affected by Cyclone Nivar.

Cyclone Nivar to cross Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram

Cyclone Nivar to cross Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram as a very severe cyclonic storm during late evening of 25th November. Depression over Gulf of Aden and adjoining Somalia weakened into a well marked low pressure area.

Suburban train services in Chennai division will be suspended from 10 am on Wednesday till further orders. Running of suburban train services till 10:00 am on Wednesday is conditional upon prevailing weather conditions.

Southern Railways fully cancels 24 trains on Wednesday originating from Chennai to Southern districts in TamilNadu and vice-versa.

Cyclone Nivar will intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 120-130 km per hour gusting to 145 km per hour around Puducherry on late Wednesday evening.

Cyclone Nivar: How are the cyclones named?

The threat of Cyclone Nivar looms large over Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry as the deep depression in the Bay of Bengal intensified on Tuesday morning. In all probability, it will make landfall around Puducherry on Wednesday evening as a severe cyclonic storm. The fast-approaching cyclone haspromptedthe Tamil Nadu and Puducherry governments to mount massive efforts to minimise damage.

Read more

Tamil Nadu, Puducherry brace for Cyclone Nivar; mount massive efforts to minimise damage

Tamil Nadu and Puducherry brace for heavy rains as Cyclone Nivar packing winds gusting to the speed up to 120 km per hour is expected to make landfall between Karaikal and Mamallapuram on Wednesday evening, even as efforts to move people living in low-lying areas to safety began on Monday.

Read more