Orange alert issued for TN, Kerala as Burevi set to cross Gulf of Mannar today

Chennai

“The cyclone lay centered over southwest Bay of Bengal on December 2, about 140 km nearly east of Trincomalee (Sri Lanka), 370 km east-southeast of Pamban and 550 km nearly east-northeast of Kanniyakumari. It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and cross Sri Lanka coast to north of Trincomalee during evening/night of December 2 as a cyclonic storm,” said N Puviarasan, director, Area Cyclone Warning Centre, Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai.

The expected wind speeds are between 70-80 kmph on December 3 and there are chances for winds speeds to gust upto 90 kmph on December 4. South Tamil Nadu coasts are expected to be impacted on December 3, starting at Ramanathapuram and then moving towards Kanniyakumari, say experts. Winds between 70-80 kmph, gusting upto 90 kmph are expected in Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari over the next 48 hours. Light to moderate rain with thundershowers are likely in most areas of Tamil Nadu, while extremely heavy rain is likely at Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Kanniyakumari. Heavy to very heavy rain is likely at Virudhunagar, Madurai, Theni and Dindigul. Chennai can expect cloudy skies with thunderstorms and light to moderate rains over the next 48 hours. The temperatures are expected between 28 and 23 C.

All arrangements in place: Minister

Meanwhile, in Madurai RB Udhayakumar, Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management said all necessary measures are in place and officials of various departments are on high alert to tackle Burevi aftermath. In Madurai, 27 vulnerable locations and 300 water logging areas have been identified as relief shelter camps and zonal teams have been put up adequately, the Minister said.

Further, he said the CM will inaugurate a new Collectorate building in Madurai on December 4.