With severe cyclonic storm Vardah set to make landfall between Sriharikota and Chennai, a state of high alert is being maintained in SPS Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed the Nellore district administration to evacuate people in about 255 low-lying areas to safer places even as the district started receiving rainfall since morning.


Under the influence of Vardah, Nellore and Chittoor districts are expected to receive heavy rainfall.


In Sullurpeta mandal in Nellore district, 30 persons were shifted to a relief camp this morning. The South Central Railway has cancelled some passenger trains between Sullurpeta and Chennai in view of the cyclone.


The Vijayawada-Chennai-Vijayawada Pinakini Express has been diverted via Renigunta and Arrakkonam while some other express trains on the Chennai route have also been diverted via Arrakkonam. The Chief Minister reviewed the situation through teleconference and asked the official machinery to remain on high alert to prevent loss of lives.