Cyclone Nilam has crossed between Mahabalipuram near Chennai and Puducherry coast this evening. The Deputy Director General of Met Department, Mr. Y.A.E. Raj confirmed the passing over of the cyclone.

The State Government has declared a holiday for all educational institutions in the coastal districts. The State Police and Revenue Department have been put on high alert. Fisherfolk and people living in low lying areas have been shifted to safer places.

More than five thousand people in Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Chennai have been shifted to various shelters.Eight teams of national and state disaster relief centres have been deputed and 132 relief camps have been set up in the affected areas.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Government has appointed special officers to monitor cyclone effect and take necessary precautionary measures. AIR correspondent reports that rescue teams have been kept standby and relief camps are being prepared to facilitate for mass evacuation in case of need.