Ennore in north Chennai is in the path of the cyclone and has been receiving heavy rain and high-speed winds  People living near the beach have been evacuated and housed in marriage halls. The government is also providing food, reports A Ganesh Nadar/Rediff.com. In Nellore, around 9400 people have been moved to camps. Windspeeds have crossed 130-150 kmph, the cyclone speed is 60 kmph, says the navy.  Air India tweeted to say that flights will not operate to Chennai till 1500 hrs.

Cyclone Vardah is likely to make landfall in Tamil Nadu this afternoon, a statement from the Navy said.

Six Army columns ready and on standby for rescue and relief operations. One additional column placed on standby. Total Army columns now on standby is seven. Out of seven columns on standby, one column already requisitioned and  moving to deploy at Thiruvallur 50 Km North of Chennai. It's one of the worst-hit areas in Tamil Nadu.


Sun TV news quotes S P Thambi, deputy director general, met department, Chennai as saying a part of cyclone Vardah is crossing over Chennai, the eye of the storm will cross over between 2 and 5 pm, and by 6.30 pm the storm will have crossed over fully.

The Indian Navy is ready with 30 boats for rescue work, apart from stationing two naval ships off Chennai.


Helplines to report cyclone Vardah damage in TN: 9445477207, 9445477203, 9445477206, 9445477201. Stuck in cyclone-hit Chennai? Click on this link for help.


Image: The Indian Navy is on standby with two ships -- INS Shivalik and  Kadmatt to provide immediate assistance if required. In addition 30 boats are on standby for rescue ops.  Pic courtesy: Indian Navy