Navy on alert, schools closed as Cyclone Vardah nears

December 12, 2016 07:37

Cyclonic storm 'Vardah' will make landfall between north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh today prompting rescue and armed forces, including the navy, to sound an alert.

Tamil Nadu has announced a holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and parts of Villupuram. Cyclone Vardah is likely to make landfall near Pulicat, around 60 km away from the Tamil Nadu capital with wind speeds of around 80 to 100 km an hour. Chennai is likely to receive very heavy rainfall up to 20 cm.

The Indian Navy said it is ready to carry out relief operations. "All operational ships have been readied and kept on standby," the navy said.

The ships have additional divers, doctors, inflatable rubber boats, integral helicopters and relief material including food, tents, clothes, medicines and blankets, in quantities adequate for over 5,000 people. Besides, 30 diving teams with Gemini boats and four platoons with additional relief material are ready.

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