Cyclone Nivar is set to hit coasts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry by Wednesday night, according to the Met department. Nivar has turned into a severe cyclonic storm and is causing heavy rains at these places. Cyclone Nivar is expected to affect Andhra Pradesh as well. 30 teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in the three states. 20 teams have been kept on standby for immediate deployment if needed. All concerned authorities have been asked to by the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) to ensure zero casualties and early restoration of normalcy. 15 districts are expected to be affected by Nivar. Thousands of people have been shifted to shelter homes in view of the cyclone. Widespread damage is expected to power lines and communication networks due to the cyclone. There are also fears that houses will be damaged and trees uprooted due to the Nivar
Meanwhile, The Tamil Nadu government has declared public holiday in view of the cyclone. All sub courts in the states have also declared a holiday in view of the Nivar. The high court will also remain closed today. Channai airport has cancelled 34 flights in the view of the storm. Bus services have also been suspended in seven districts of Tamil Nadu. The government has said that people belonging to essential services will continue to work.
Initially 1,000 cusecs of water will be released from the Chembarambakkam reservoir on Wednesday afternoon as the inflow is increasing and the water level is reaching the 22 feet-mark. An alert has been issued for people living in in low lying areas and on the banks of Chennai’s Adyar river
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keeping close watch on the situation. He took to Twitter to inform he has spoken to chief ministers of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and assured them all help from the Centre.