Over 15 teams of NDRF have been deployed in various coastal regions of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh for relief and rescue efforts as cyclonic storm Vardah is expected to make landfall this afternoon.

The landfall is expected between 2 and 5 pm today, reports news channels. Citizens in coastal areas have been asked not to leave their homes. Heavy  rain is expected for 12 hours after landfall, with wind speed expected to touch 120 kmph in coastal areas. In the state's interiors, the wind speeds will be around 70kmph.


All precautions taken at Nuclear the Power Plant Kalpakkam to face Vardah. The plant is operational and normal and in touch with IMD, reports ANI.


Vardah will cross Chennai coast after noon. The government has issued an advisory to private companies to allow employees to avail of a holiday or grant permission to work from home today. Power supply may be interrupted during  landfall. The government has also issued an advisory to keep essential items stocked.


People living in Ennore and Palaverkadu have been asked to evacuate by Tamil Nadu Government. Due to cyclonic weather over Chennai airport, flights are diverted and departures are delayed.

Heavy rains lashed Chennai, Tiruvallore and Kancheepuram districts since early morning. Power supply was suspended in many parts of these regions as a precautionary measure. The armed forces have also been asked to be on standby with the army, navy and air force prepared to be deployed any time as and when required.


Tamil Nadu health minister Dr C Vijaya Baskar, talking to Thanthi TV, outlines the various steps taken at government hospitals to cope with the cyclone, on behalf of "Amma's government".


Pic: Eye of the storm: Cyclone Vardah approaches Chennai and coastal Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Image grab courtesy: Windy TV