Chennai, November 24: As the cyclone, Nivar is heading towards north Tamil Nadu coast and south Andhra Pradesh which make landfall be between Mamallapuram and Karaikal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke to the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

 

 

"Spoke to Tamil Nadu CM Shri E Panneerselvam and Puducherry CM V Narayanasami regarding the situation in the wake of Cyclone Nivar. Assured all possible support from the Centre. I pray for the safety and well-being of those living in the affected areas," the PM tweeted.

 

 

 

Earlier on Monday, Union Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba chaired a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) to review the status of impending Cyclone through video conferencing with the Chief Secretaries of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry.

 

The Cabinet Secretary had told the officials that the Crisis Management Committee is aiming at "zero loss of life" and early restoration of normalcy in the affected areas. He has ordered strict implementation of the advisories. Fishermen are not to venture into the sea.

 

According to the IMD's prediction, "the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm, ‘Nivar’ and it is likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm and cross the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts on November 25."

 

The speed of winds could reach 100 kmph during landfall. The department has advised agriculture and horticulture farmers to harvest their crops without delay. The Depression over southwest and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal about 600 km south-southeast of Puducherry and 630 km south-southeast of Chennai. It is very likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm during the next 24 hours.

 

Six teams of NDRF leave for Cuddalore & Chidambaram towns in Cuddalore Dist in the wake of a cyclonic storm warning by IMD.