Cyclone Vardah: Govt on high red alert; airport terminals damaged

December 12, 2016 17:34

Giving updates on aid operations since Cyclone Vardah made landfall, NDMA, in a series of tweets, says: "The entire government machinery has been geared up to face the Cyclone and the situation is being closely monitored by the state government. 7 NDRF, 2 SDRF, 2 Army columns deployed. Govt on high red alert."

Home Minister Rajnath Singh speaks to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam for an update on Cyclone Vardha, and assured him of all help.

Meanwhile Dr S Balachandran, director of Area Cyclone Warning Centre, Chennai, hsa said that the cyclone's eye crossed the coast near the Chennai harbour and that by 6.30 pm, it will have fully passed overland. Winds of up to 90 kmph can be expected till then. The CM told him that the government machinery was handling the post-cyclone situation on a war footing.

A public helpline has been set up by the state government 044-45969426 for any cyclone related information.

The Chennai airport remains shut till 8 pm, with domestic and international terminals damaged, reports Puthiya Thalaimurai TV, and repair work is underway.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Meet Baldev Kumar from Punjab, first outsider to contest J-K LS polls

The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 paved the way for outsiders to contest polls in the Union Territory.

IPL PIX: Rahul, de Kock power LSG to easy win over CSK

Openers KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock hit fifties as LSG trounced CSK by eight wickets.

Phase 1 sees nearly 63% polling amid stray incidents of violence

"The voting percentage is likely to go upwards when reports from all polling stations are obtained as polling is scheduled till 6 pm in many constituencies. Final figures will be known on Saturday after the scrutiny of form 17A," the EC...

Manipur records 68% polling marred by violence, firing, booth capturing

At Thamnapokpi under Moirang constituency in Bishnupur district, armed men fired several rounds in the air near a polling booth prompting voters to flee, police said on Friday, adding additional security personnel were rushed to the spot...

Air India to soon have new crew management system

Air India will soon have a new crew management system that will help strengthen rostering rules and enable faster recovery from scheduled disruptions. In a message to the staff on Friday, Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson said that...