CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu revenue minister R B Udhyakumar on Wednesday said Indian Army has sent eight teams, each consisting of ten members, besides two rescue boats to Chennai. Also, six teams and a rescue boat were sent to Trichy.
The Indian Coast Guard has also deputed five teams with 100 members to Chennai and two teams to Mandapam in Ramanathapuram district.
Eight helicopters of the Indian Navy – two I 17 choppers in Bengaluru, two MI 17 in Sulur, two advanced light helicopters in Sulur and two Chetak in Tambaram -- are also on standby for relief measures after the landfall of cyclone Nivar.
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In pics: India's southeastern coast braces for powerful cyclone 'Nivar'
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Strong winds ahead of the landfall of Cyclone Nivar, in Kovalam. (PTI)
Cyclone Nivar is currently hovering over southwest Bay of Bengal and is likely to intensify further into a 'very severe' cyclonic storm by 5.30 p.m., the MHA said today. (BCCL)
The cyclone will lead to disruption of railways, overhead powerlines and signalling systems. (BCCL)
Rain water stagnated at Ganeshpuram Subway, Vysarpadi in Chennai due to cyclone Nivar. (BCCL)
Municipal workers remove fallen tree branches from a road during rains before Cyclone Nivar's landfall, in Chennai. (Reuters)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami visits Chembarambakkam Lake to review the situation. (ANI)
Puducherry chief minister V Narayanasamy (second from left) inspecting coastal hamlets on Wednesday ahead of cyclone Nivar landfall. (BCCL)
All deployed teams are assisting the local administration in evacuation of people from areas that are likely to be affected by the cyclone, said the Ministry. (BCCL)
There are expectations of widespread damage to standing crops, plantations and orchards. (BCCL)
Boats are seen parked on deserted Marina beach during rains before Cyclone Nivar's landfall, in Chennai. (Reuters)
Strong winds ahead of the landfall of Cyclone Nivar, in Kovalam. (PTI)
Rescue teams of the Navy have also been deputed to various places in the state. Five teams of four members each and a medical team engaged in Chennai, one team each in Nagapattinam, Rameswaram, INS Parundu, INS Kattabomman and INS Rajali. That apart, a ship, INS Jyoti is stationed in Visakhapatnam with relief material and teams to render assistance.
Udhayakumar said that 12 NDRF teams, with each team comprising 20 to 22 members on standby in five districts.