Coastal Tamil Nadu battered by Cyclone Vardah

Heavy rains on Monday pounded the city and north coastal districts of Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu, inundating low lying areas, while high velocity winds uprooted hundreds of trees as the severe cyclonic storm Vardha reached about 60 kms northeast of Chennai and made a landfall by 4pm in the evening. 

According to the IMD bulletin at noon Vardha hit the coast, winds with speed of 100-110 kmph to 120 kmph. Squally winds hit Chennai on Monday morning as the very severe cyclonic storm approached Tamil Nadu. Power supply was suspended in many parts of these regions as a precautionary measure. The rains intensified as the cyclone neared leading to waterlogging in many areas. The government had declared a holiday for educational institutions in Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur, besides coastal taluks of Villupuram. Rail and flight services here have been affected, officials said. Chennai Port directed all ships to move out of Port as a precaution. 

According to the Cyclone Warning Division of the India Meteorological Department, (IMD), Vardha’s intensity will weaken by the early hours of Tuesday. Over 15,ooo people living in low-lying areas have been asked to move to safer zones.