Instead of making landfall late Wednesday evening (November 25) as predicted earlier, cyclone Nivar is now very likely to cross Tamil Nadu and Puducherry midnight or early Thursday, the India Meteorological Department said, according to this TOI report.
The storm is building up its strength by slowly moving over the sea at 11 kmph during the last few hours and is expected to only intensify. With several parts of the city already inundated, the Government of Tamil Nadu has declared a public holiday on Wednesday with only essential services expected to continue.
While precautionary measures are being taken, here are a few details you should know at the back of your hand:
Do not go near the sea as it is going to remain rough along the coasts. People are advised to keep an emergency kit with necessary medicines and supplies ready. Stack a lot of food that can be eaten with minimal cooking. Keep a check on any and every news update and try to shelter people and animals in need.
Bus services in six districts and train services from Chennai have also been suspended while Metro services in Chennai will be operating from 7 am to 10 pm according to the holiday services time table.
Authorities have directed to alert people living along the banks of Adyar river especially low-lying areas like Kanu Nagar, Jafferkhanpet, Kotturpuram, Chitra Nagar, Amman Nagar, Sollaipallam to move to Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) relief centres as water has been released from Chembarambakkam reservoir, Greater Chennai Corporation said in one of its social media announcement. At present, 169 relief centres have been set up across the city.
Some helpful numbers:
Try not to panic and take necessary action in case of any emergency. The Greater Chennai Corporation has set up a control room in every zone and one at Ripon Buildings, its headquarters.
You can call on 044 2538 4530 and 044 2538 4540 (Cyclone helplines) or 1913 (Control room, available 24x7) for emergenices.
For the nearest cooking/relief centres for Nivar, click here.
Pro-Tip:Rely on credible source of information and ignore the rumours that can induce panic. Turn off all your electronic devices if the weather gets bad.
