Cyclone 'Nilam' is expected to further intensify and make a landfall this evening between Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu and Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, bringing in heavy rains in the region.Heavy rainfall is expected in the next 24 hours,with tide levels reaching 1.5 meters. According to Met office , storm 'Nilam' has moved northwestwards and lay centered at about 260 kilometers south-east of Chennai.
Squally winds with speeds of 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 kmph would prevail along north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and coastal Andhra Pradesh. The wind speed would gradually increase thereafter to touch 80-90 kmph as the system moves closer to the coast at the time of landfall.
The condition of the sea would be “high” along and off north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coast during the next 36 hours.
Schools and colleges across several districts, including Chennai and Cuddalore, are closed for the second day today on account of incessant rains.
The North-East monsoon which set in over Tamil Nadu on October 19, has been very active and has already brought in copious rainfall in several parts of the state.
AIR Hyderabad correspondent reports rain and strong gales hit Nellore in Andhra Pradesh. The administration of coastal districts has been put on alert to face any situation and make arrangements accordingly. Our Chennai correspondent adds that Tamil Nadu government is fully geared up to meet any eventuality. Official sources said three companies of the National and State Disaster Relief Force are in a state of preparedness to undertake any rescue operations.
In Nagapattnam, Control Room has been set up to help people in case of an emergency. About 30 thousand hectares of paddy crop have been affected.
In Chennai high tides reaching one to one and a half metres have inundated low lying areas and in some places along the shores. Three teams of the national disaster centre are kept ready to attend to eventualities. The beautiful marina beach has been swallowed by rising high tides in some places. Fishermen living on shores have been moved to safer places inside the city. Due to squally winds, trees have been uprooted in many areas and traffic has been hit As a holiday has been declared in twelve districts
Fishermen in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh coast and Puducherry have been advised not to venture into the sea in next 48 hours.