Cyclone Nivar LIVE Updates: A severe cyclone slammed into India's southern coast early on Thursday, killing at least five people and uprooting trees and power lines. Cyclone Nivar made landfall near the city of Puducherry, located near the southern state of Tamil Nadu, with winds of up to 130 km per hour (81 miles per hour), according to the India Meteorological Department. Heavy rains from the storm caused flooding in some streets of the city of Chennai, Tamil Nadu's largest city which is home to many large automobile manufacturers, according to a Reuters witness. The storm caused at least five deaths in and around Chennai from trees falling, drowning and electrocution, the Times of India reported. A spokesman for the chief minister's office declined to comment on the reported deaths.
As 'very severe' cyclonic storm Nivar made landfall near Puducherry in the early hours of Thursday, the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) issued an alert of severe thunderstorm with heavy rain in Thiruvannamalai, Cuddalore, Kallakurichy and Villupuram in the next three hours. It also said that moderate rainfall with moderate thunderstorm is likely in 19 districts, including Chengalpattu.
Prohibitory Order in Puducherry Lifted | Puducherry lifts the prohibitory order that has been in force since November 24 to prevent movement and gathering of people. Rescinding the order imposed under section 144 CrPC, District Magistrate Purva Garg says preliminary assessment of cyclone-related evacuation, rescue and relief work was undertaken by the territorial administration, and there was no loss of life or major damage reported from anywhere in the Union Territory. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi, in her voice message to the people of Puducherry, thanks them for their cooperation because of which the administration was able to tide over the cyclone and ensure safety to life and property.
Nov 26, 2020 18:19 (IST)
Andhra CM Reviews Situation | Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy reviewed the situation with top officials here on Thursday afternoon and asked the respective district Collectors to be on high alert and render every assistance wherever required. The Chief Minister asked SPS Nellore district Collector to render all assistance to the family of the person who died of electrocution on Wednesday.
Nov 26, 2020 17:42 (IST)
Tirupati Police Rescue 2 Farmers Stuck in Floodwaters | Two of the three farmers who were stranded in the floodwaters were rescued by Tirupati police in Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor district. "Tirupati police rescued two persons along with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Efforts are being made to rescue one more," said a police official. The three farmers went to check on their water motors in the paddy fields when they got stuck in the overflowing Mallimadugu canal. Mallimadugu is located in Tirupati urban district and falls under Redigunta mandal.
Nov 26, 2020 17:26 (IST)
Tirumala Hills Receive Incessant Rain | The State Disaster Management Authority said gales with a speed of 45-65 kmph were lashing SPS Nellore and Chittoor districts bordering Tamil Nadu. Tirumala Hills, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, has been receiving incessant rain since Wednesday, causing a lot of hardship to hundreds of devotees stranded there.
Nov 26, 2020 17:11 (IST)
Andhra Districts Affected by Cyclone | According to the State Disaster Management Authority, SPS Nellore, Chittoor, Kadapa, Krishna, Prakasam and East Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh received heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at more than 177 places. Other districts like Anantapuramu, Kurnool, Guntur and West Godavari were also receiving moderate to heavy rainfall under Nivar's impact.
Nov 26, 2020 17:08 (IST)
Torrential Rains in AP, 1 Killed | One person was killed in Andhra Pradesh as heavy to extremely heavy rainfall ranging from 6 cm to 30 cm battered at least half of the state under the influence of cyclone Nivar. Another farmer was feared washed away while NDRF personnel rescued two others from a reservoir in Chittoor district
Nov 26, 2020 16:58 (IST)
Significant Weather Features for Today | Under the influence of the Cyclone:
(i) Fairly widespread to widespread rainfall/thunderstorm with heavy to very heavy falls at a few places with isolated extremely heavy falls likely over Chittoor, Kurnool, Prakasam; Cuddappa districts of Andhra Pradesh and adjoining southeast Telangana heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places likely over north Tamilnadu, remaining districts of Andhra Pradesh and southeast Telangana today.
(ii) Fishermen are advised not to venture into SE and adj WC Bay of Bengal along and off TN-Puducherry and south AP coast till today night
Nov 26, 2020 16:55 (IST)
Significant Weather Features for Today | According to IMD's update at 3.11 pm, the Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘NIVAR’ over north coastal Tamil Nadu moved northwestwards with a speed of 13 kmph during past 06 hours, weakened into a cyclonic storm and lay centred at 0830 hrs IST of today over north coastal Tamil Nadu near Lat. 12.6°N and Long 79.4°E, about 85 km north-northwest of Puducherry and about 95 km west-southwest of Chennai. It would continue to move northwestwards and weaken further into a Deep Depression during next 06 hours and into a Depression by subsequent 06 hours.
near Lat. 12.6°N and Long 79.4°E, about 85 km north-northwest of Puducherry and about 95 km west-southwest of Chennai. It would continue to move northwestwards and weaken further into a Deep Depression during next 06 hours and into a Depression by subsequent 06 hours.
Stalin Visits Cyclone Affected Areas of Chennai | DMK President M K Stalin today visited Velachery area in Chennai and reviewed the situation in water-logged areas and other residential areas affected by Cylone Nivar. He distributed food and clothes to the locals.
Nov 26, 2020 15:26 (IST)
Cyclone Nivar Kills 5 in TN, Power Lines Disrupted | The severe cyclonic storm that slammed the Indian coast killed at least five people. Cyclone Nivar made landfall near the city of Puducherry, followed by heavy to very heavy rainfall, reports Reuters.
During landfall, the storm was classified as a ‘very severe cyclonic storm’ and later it weakened to a ‘severe cyclonic storm’.
Nov 26, 2020 13:53 (IST)
Three Dead in the Wake of Cyclone Nivar | A total of three people were reported dead after landfall of Cylonic storm Nivar, Indian Express reports.
Nov 26, 2020 13:46 (IST)
Rain Lashes Puducherry, Coastal Districts | Puducherry and coastal districts of Tamil Nadu including Cuddalore and Nagapattinam, continue to receive rain and experience heavy winds. More than two lakh people were moved to cyclone shelters in the two states on Wednesday. In Cuddalore, one of the districts where damage was likely, over 50,000 were moved to safety to 233 government shelters, Collector Chandra Sekhar said.
Nov 26, 2020 13:07 (IST)
Bengaluru Witnesses Cloudy Weather As Cyclone Nivar Weakens | Bengaluru witnesses cloudy weather and light showers. The India Meteorological Department has predicted a generally cloudy sky with moderate rain in the city. The cylone would continue to move northwestwards and weaken further into a deep depression during next 06 hours and into a depression by subsequent 06 hours, the body added.
Nov 26, 2020 12:33 (IST)
Centre Assures Support to Cyclone-hit Areas
We're closely monitoring situation in Tamil Nadu & Puducherry in the wake of #CycloneNivar. Have spoken to Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi K Palaniswami & Puducherry CM V.Narayanasamy and assured all possible help from the centre. NDRF teams are on ground to help people in need: Amit Shah pic.twitter.com/Tyj3lpB5ev
Cyclone Nivar Impact: Heavy Rains Batter Pondy | Heavy downpour triggered by very severe cyclonic storm Nivar lashed Puducherry and its suburbs, uprooting trees, damaging electric poles and leaving several areas inundated. No casualties were reported so far from any part of the union territory.
In 2015, several cars parked in the city localities like Madipakkam and Kotturpuram were either partially or wholly submerged which depreciated their value to a great extent besides affecting the…
Nov 26, 2020 11:20 (IST)
Home Minister Amit Shah Speaks to Tamil Nadu, Puducherry CMs, Assures Full Support | Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "We're closely monitoring situation in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the wake of Cyclone Nivar. Have spoken to Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi K Palaniswami & Puducherry CM V Narayanasamy and assured all possible help."
Nov 26, 2020 10:41 (IST)
No Reports of Loss of Life in Tamil Nadu: Minister | There were no reports of loss of life due to the cyclone which uprooted trees. Incidents of wall collapse were reported from some parts of Tamil Nadu, state Revenue Minister R B Udhayakumar said. "There is no loss of lives due to the rains. People have given us full cooperation, It's a solace that nothing untoward happened and the weakening of the cyclone is good news," he said.
Nov 26, 2020 10:33 (IST)
Eraiyanur village fishermen in Villupuram district experience less than expected damage from cyclone Nivar. "We're happy that cyclone hasn't affected us much. A day ahead we shifted our boats. Now the waves are high. We cannot fish till next week," says a fisherman.
Nov 26, 2020 10:21 (IST)
Puducherry NDRF Team Clears Uprooted Trees, Checks on Power Supply
Cyclonic Storm Nivar Expected to Move Northwest Wards | Severe cyclonic storm Nivar expected to move Northwest wards and weaken into cyclonic storm in districts of South-interior Karnataka. Fishermen advised not to go to sea in South-coastal Andhra Pradesh & North-coastal Tamil Nadu. Chennai to have moderate rainfall till tomorrow, stated IMD.
The NDRF has earmarked a total of 50 teams with 30 being deployed on the ground in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh in view of the cyclone moving ahead from the Bay of Bengal towards the…
Nov 26, 2020 9:25 (IST)
Here are the government-issued emergency helpline numbers for affected areas and districts.
Water From Adyar River Floods Residential Pockets | Water from Adyar river has flooded the residential pockets of Mudichur and Varadharajapuram near Tambaram, according to revenue department sources.
Nov 26, 2020 8:59 (IST)
Cyclone to Weaken Further to 'Severe Cyclone' | Cyclone Nivar crossed Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast between 11.30 pm and 2.30 am as a 'very severe cyclonic storm' with an estimated wind speed of 120kmph to 130kmph. However, IMD officials said the cyclone will further weaken to 'severe cyclone'.
Nov 26, 2020 8:48 (IST)
Chennai Airport Suspends Operations Till 9 AM, Over 70 Flights Cancelled | The Chennai airport, which was closed for 12 hours, in the wake of Cyclone Nivar has extended the closure till 9 AM. Over 40 domestic flights (scheduled to depart) and 38 domestic flights (scheduled to arrive) have been cancelled.
The closure of #AAI#Chennaiairport due to #CycloneNivar stands extended till 0900hrs of 26.11.2020, on assessing the prevailing climatic conditions and taking passenger safety as top priority. The inconvenience caused is deeply regretted. @AAI_Official@pibchennai
Over 2000 Shifted to Relief Camps in Puducherry, No Casualty Reported: CM | Puducherry CM V Narayanswamy said there has been no casualty reported so far in the UT and around 2,000 people have been moved to relief camps. On water-logging, the CM added that the issue is because of the high tide in the sea which he said was delaying the release of water from land.
Meanwhile, heavy downpour triggered by very severe cyclonic storm Nivar lashed Puducherry and its suburbs, uprooting trees, damaging electric poles and leaving several areas inundated. No casualties were reported so far from any part of the union territory. Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, who visited the rain ravaged areas in and around this town on Thursday told reporters that Puducherry recorded 23 cm rainfall. He said there was no deaths reported due to the cyclone. Most housing colonies were water-logged and residents remained indoors.
The CM said the territorial government had initiated steps to restore power supply without loss of time. Relief camps were opened at various points accommodating 2,000 people so far. Supply of food and other essentials was ensured in the camps, he added.
In a WhatsApp message, Lt Governor Kiran Bedi said Fire and rescue services personnel were deployed to remove fallen trees at various points. A woman and her child who were marooned in the flood in Rainbow Nagar housing area close to the boulevard were rescued by the police, District Magistrate Purva Garg told.
Nivar weakened into a severe cyclonic storm after it crossed coast near Puducherry, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. There were no reports of loss of life due to the cyclone. Incidents of wall collapse were reported from some parts of Tamil Nadu, state Revenue Minister R B Udhayakumar said. Earlier, the IMD had said Nivar will cross coast near Puducherry with a wind speed of 120-130 kmph, gusting up to 145 kmph. The landfall of Nivar began late on Wednesday night.
"Very severe cyclonic Storm NIVAR: Center lies over Land. Crossed coast near Puducherry during 2330 of 25th Nov-0230 IST of 26th Nov," the IMD said in a tweet. "Very severe cyclonic Storm NIVAR: weakens into a Severe Cyclonic storm," it said in another tweet.
Deputy Director General of Meteorology, Chennai, S Balachandran said rainfall is likely to continue in Tamil Nadu. "The storm now lies inside the land area. There will, however, be rainfall and strong winds as well," he told PTI.
In the next six hours, the severe cyclonic storm will further weaken, he said. Udhayakumar said there were no reports of loss of life or crop damage.
"There is no loss of lives due to the rains. People have given us full cooperation," he said. Incidents of wall collapse were reported from a few places, he said.
"It's a solace that nothing untoward happened and the weakening of the cyclone is good news," he said. The minister said about 2.5 lakh people were housed in cyclone shelters in Tamil Nadu as part of safety measures.
According to the inputs received so far, crops and groves are safe in the state, Udhayakumar told reporters. However, the situation would be reviewed and based on its outcome, insurance payout and compensation to farmers, if any, would be announced by Chief Minister K Palaniswami, he said.
Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu recorded the highest rainfall at 24.6 cm, followed by 23.7 cm in Puducherry from 8.30 PM on Wednesday till 2.30 am on Thursday. Nagapattinam recorded 6.3 cm rainfall, Karaikal 8.6 cm and Chennai 8.9 cm during the same period.
Meanwhile, revenue, civic and police authorities were on their toes coordinating and removing uprooted trees using heavy-duty motor equipment and backhoe loaders. According to initial estimates, over 150 trees were uprooted in Tamil Nadu alone.
As the storm began crossing coast, the rainfall stopped briefly here. It returned with strong winds in some localities close to the city and the suburban shoreline. The approach roads to the Marina beach, off the arterial Kamaraj Salai, were flooded and sheets of water reached close to the main road where the city's fishermen had securely tied up their boats.
As rains lashed Mamallapuram near here, troops of monkeys sought refuge under the decorative, cave-like arches, dotted with images of deities carved in stone at the ancient Sri Sthalasayana Perumal temple.
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