The cyclone Nilam which has weakened has left a trail of of destruction in Cuddalore, Puduchery and Chennai. AIR Correspondent reports that after days of uncertainty, people in the coastal areas of Chennai heaved a sigh of relief. However, there is a loss to 35 thousand acres of crops in Tiruvarur. In Kanchipuram district, there is damage in the electric set up.

The cyclonic storm is over Rayalseema and adjoining areas and it will further weaken in next 12 hours. However, sea currents are yet to subside. Fshermen in coastal areas have been warned not to venture into the sea.

Fifteen sailors were rescued today and a search was on for six other missing crew who were on board an oil tanker that drifted and ran aground off the city coast in high velocity winds before the landfall of cyclone 'Nilam'. An oil tanker with 37-member crew on board yesterday ran aground off the city coast under the impact of high velocity winds, leaving one person dead.