Schools and colleges have been shut in Tamil Nadu as the state braces for heavy rainfall with Cyclone Mandous expected to strike the Chennai coast around midnight.
A red alert for heavy rain has been issued for 12 districts in the state, including Chennai, Thiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Vellore, Ranipettai and Kancheepuram.
The northern parts of the state have been lashed by rain since last night with Chennai recording 52.5 mm rainfall till 5:30 am.
The Chennai municipal authorities have closed all parks and playgrounds till further notice and people have been advised not to go out to the beaches today.
Cyclone Mandous will cross Mamallapuram, near Chennai, with a wind speed of 65-75 kmph between midnight and early Saturday, the weather office said this morning.
The cyclone could uproot trees and electricity poles hitting power supply while heavy rain could flood parts of the city.
Over 5,000 relief centres, including 169 in Chennai, and 121 shelters have been opened across Tamil Nadu.
The Tamil Nadu government has advised people to avoid unnecessary travels and keep torches or candles, batteries, dry fruits, and drinking water ready at hand. It has also asked the officials to ensure all measures are followed – including a prior announcement of release of surplus water from reservoirs.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed its teams in 10 districts. Boats and tree cutters have been deployed in vulnerable areas. Fishermen have been advised not venture out into the sea for the next three days.
The Coast Guard has also taken several measures to ensure safety ahead of the approaching cyclone. Fishing boats are being continuously asked to return to harbour and all oil rigs and offshore installations have been requested to ensure the safety of the workers, according to an official statement.
The cyclone is also projected to bring rainfall in various districts of Andhra Pradesh, including Nellore, Tirupati, and Chittoor. Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy yesterday held a meeting to take stock of the situation.
Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy held a review meeting in view of the cyclone. The state has opened 238 relief centres. NDRF personnel have also arrived in Puducherry.
