Nivar weakens, but leaves 3 dead in its wake

Subsequently, Nivar weakened into a cyclonic storm and further into a deep depression,centered about 50 km west-southwest of Tirupati at 2:30pm, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials said. This will weaken into a depression in the next six hours.

Heavy rains lashed Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, leading to inundation and uprooting of trees. Three people, including a woman, were killed in rain related incidents such as tree and wall collapses here, nearby Ponneri and Villupuram, authorities said. Officials said about 1,086 trees were uprooted and almost all of them have been removed. In a few places, overhead electricity cables snapped as heavy trees fell over them and also some vehicles. In Chennai, citizens in many parts complained of disruption in internet services. Low lying neighbourhoods, including those in Irumbuliyur, Mudichur and Urapakkam witnessed flooding and water entered the houses of many residents. Rescue personnel ferried cooked food to the people using inflatable boats. In city areas, civic workers pumped out stagnant waters from several locations. Airport operations, Metrorail and bus transport resumed on Thursday. Meanwhile, the discharge from Chembarambakkam lake was reduced to about 1,500 cusecs.

In neighbouring Puducherry, which saw heavy rains and inundation in some parts, there were no reports of loss of life due to the cyclone. As rains lashed Mahabalipuram, 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.