Cyclone Vardah: Here are the latest storm pictures and videos from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam earlier in the day reviewed the state government’s preparation to counter cyclone Vardah.

By: Express Web Desk

New Delhi | Updated: December 13, 2016 11:40 AM IST

6 min read

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An uprooted tree from Besant Nagar (Photo by Charles Fernandes)

The severe cyclonic storm Vardah has made landfall in Chennai. Heavy rainfall coupled with high-velocity winds have uprooted hundreds of trees in Tamil Nadu. Andhra Pradesh is also on high alert as it is expected to be hit by the cyclone. Tamil Nadu has been on alert for the last ten days following heavy rainfall.

People in low-lying areas have been asked to move to safer zones. (Photo by Charles Fernandes)

The cyclone which is passing over the city of Chennai has been termed as a very severe cyclone, said India Meteorological Department (IMD). Two people have already been killed in the state so far.

WATCH VIDEO : Cyclone Vardah kills 10, people evacuated to safer places

Hundreds of trees down in IIT Madras, Madras Christian college campuses (Express Photo by Arun Janardhanan)

Power supply has been suspended in many parts of Chennai and north coastal districts of Tiruvallore and Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu as a precautionary measure. Over 15 teams of NDRF have been deployed in various
coastal regions of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The armed forces have been asked to be on standby with the army, navy and air force prepared to be deployed anytime as and when required.

While 25 outbound flights were delayed, the Southern Railways services announced suspension of services on the Chennai Beach and Velacherry MRTS route. (Photo by Charles Fernandes)

Rail and flight services have also been affected due to the cyclonic storm. Around 25 incoming flights, including those from international destinations, were diverted to the nearby Hyderabad and Bangalore airports due to strong winds and poor visibility. While 25 outbound flights were delayed, the Southern Railways services announced suspension of services on the Chennai Beach and Velacherry MRTS route.

“Chennai Suburban railway network suspended till further notice. Some trains reaching and leaving Chennai have been diverted and cancelled,” said Anil Saxena, ADG(PR) Railways.

Fishermen have been asked to not venture out into the sea since November 30. (Express Photo by Arun Janardhanan)

People in low-lying areas have been asked to move to safer zones while locals have been asked to stay indoors. Schools and colleges in Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur have been closed. Fishermen were also asked to not venture out into the sea since November 30.

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