Cyclone Nivar LIVE: Sec 144 revoked in Puducherry; three dead in Tamil Nadu

Cyclone Live tracker: IMD issued an amber-coloured warning (second most dangerous in the list) for coastal Andhra Pradesh on Friday. Stay tuned for Cyclone Nivar latest updates

12:43 AM

Three killed, over 1,000 trees uprooted in TN as Nivar crosses coast near Pondy

At least three people were killed in Tamil Nadu, over 1,000 trees uprooted and some low-lying areas marooned due to water-logging following heavy rains on Thursday as severe cyclonic storm Nivar made landfall near Puducherry.
 

Subsequently, Nivar weakened into a cyclonic storm and further into a deep depression, centered about 50 km west-southwest of Tirupati at 1430 hrs, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials said.
 

According to IMD, it is to weaken into a depression during the next six hours.
 

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh also received good rains under the influence of the weather system.
 

In Tamil Nadu, about 2.30 lakh people have been accommodated in relief camps following the cyclone, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami said.
 

Earlier, heavy rains lashed Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as Nivar made landfall in the early hours,leading to inundation and uprooting of trees.
 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted, "We are closely monitoring the situation in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the wake of Cyclone Nivar.

11:40 PM

Cyclone Nivar LIVE: We're assessing damage, funds will be released accordingly, says TN CM

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami visited several cyclone-hit areas of Cuddalore district in Tamil Nadu and assured relief fund after assessing total damage caused by cyclone Nivar. "Around 52,000 people stayed in camps that were set up in Cuddalore. A total of 77 electric poles were uprooted that have been cleared, 1500 hectares of farmland have been damaged in the district. We're assessing the damage. Funds will be released accordingly," Chief Minister said. Palaniswami acknowledged Home Miniter Amit Shah's concern and assurance for every possible assistance to the state during this critical time.

"Hon'ble Union Home Minister Amit Shah Ji, today enquired on the Nivar rescue and relief operations in Tamil Nadu and has assured all possible assistance and help from the centre," he tweeted. According to NDRF officials, twenty-five teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were deployed across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh in view of Cyclone Nivar. The CM visited Reddysawadi area in Cuddalore where banana crops were severely damaged.

10:45 PM

Moderate to light rain across Karnataka: KSNDMC

Widespread light to moderate rains with isolated heavy rains likely over Kolar & Chikkaballapura dist & scattered light to moderate rains likely over Mysuru & Chamarajanagara dist & isolated very light to light rains likely over remaining districts of the region: KSNDMC

10:31 PM

Cyclone Nivar LIVE: 80% electricity to be restored today, says Tamil Nadu minister

80% of electricity connection will be restored by today. Electricity Board has incurred a loss of Rs 1.5 crore due to Nivar Cylone: P Thangamani, Tamil Nadu Minister for Electricity

9:49 PM

Cyclone Nivar LIVE: Met dept puts Bengaluru on Yellow alert for next 2 days

The India Meteorological Department on Thursday issued a yellow alert in Bengaluru and surrounding districts on November 26 and 27. Cyclone Nivar - the second cyclone to form over the Bay of Bengal this year after Super Cyclone Amphan in May - made landfall between Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast on Wednesday midnight.

Speaking to reporters, IMD-Karnataka director, C. S. Patil said that districts such as Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Ramanagar and Mandya are likely to experience isolated heavy rainfall due to the Nivar effect. He added that severe cyclone-storm Nivar that has crossed Puducherry has transformed into cyclone-storm and moving towards north-west direction weaken into deep depression in next six hours. "During this period Benglauru and surrounding districts are likely to experience isolated heavy rainfall," he said.

9:48 PM

Estimated loss due to cyclone Nivar put at Rs 400 crore: Puducherry CM

The estimated loss to agriculture and other sectors due to cyclone Nivar has been tentatively put at Rs 400 crore and a full assessment is being made, Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy said on Thursday after visiting localities affected by the cyclonic storm when it made landfall in the early hours. Paddy crops over an extent of 820 hectares besides vegetables on 200 hectares, sugarcane on 170 hectares, 55 hectares of banana crop and betel leaf cultivated on seven hectares had been severely hit by the torrential rains, the chief minister said.

Puducherry administration would seek an interim relief of Rs 50 crores from the Centre,he told reporters. A full assessment was being made by the departments on the total quantum of loss in farm and other sectors although it had been estimated tentatively that the loss would be Rs 400 crore, Narayanasamy said. He expressed relief that 'Nivar' had caused no big loss and there was no loss of life. "I thank the Almighty for saving Puducherry from the fury of the cyclone," he said appreciating the team work of all departments, the NDRF team and defence personnel. Puducherry registered 27 cm rainfall while Karaikal recorded 10 cm in the 24 hours ending 8.30 a.m. Thursday. Water was drained from low lying areas and various housing colonies using pumps. All trees that were uprooted under the strong winds were being removed, the chief minister said.

8:48 PM

After cyclone Nivar, Tamil Nadu likely to receive heavy rains again next week: IMD

Slammed by the severe cyclonic storm Nivar early Thursday, Tamil Nadu is likely to receive another spell of very heavy rainfall as a fresh low pressure area is expected to form in the Bay of Bengal from November 29 onwards, the IMD said. India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General Mrutunjay Mohapatra said the low pressure area likely to form on November 29 may bring very heavy rains over Tamil Nadu. He, however, said it needs to be seen whether the low pressure area will intensify into a cyclone. A low pressure area is the first stage of formation of a cyclone.

 

"We are closely monitoring it (the low pressure area)," Mohapatra said.

 

Cyclone Nivar, which hit the Tamil Nadu coast as a 'very severe cyclonic storm' in the early hours of Thursday, has brought heavy rains over the state, especially in its northern parts. Under its influence, Puducherry received 30 cm rainfall, the highest among the affected regions, followed by Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu with 27 cm precipitation. Nagapattinam recorded 6.3 cm rainfall, Karaikal 9.6 cm and Chennai 11.3 cm.

8:21 PM

Three killed, over 1,000 trees uprooted in Tamil Nadu as Nivar crosses coast near Puducherry

At least three people were killed in Tamil Nadu, over 1,000 trees uprooted and some low-lying areas marooned due to water-logging following heavy rains on Thursday as severe cyclonic storm Nivar made landfall near Puducherry. Subsequently, Nivar weakened into a cyclonic storm and further into a deep depression,centered about 50 km west- southwest of Tirupati at 1430 hrs, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials said.

 

According to IMD, it is to weaken into a depression during the next six hours. Heavy rains lashed Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as Nivar made landfall in the early hours,leading to inundation and uprooting of trees. Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted, "We are closely monitoring the situation in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the wake of Cyclone Nivar.

In Tamil Nadu, three people, including a woman, were killed in rain related incidents such as tree and wall collapses here, nearby Ponneri and Villupuram, authorities said.

 

7:50 PM

Cyclone Nivar LIVE: We're assessing damage, funds will be released, says Tamil Nadu CM

7:39 PM

LIVE: Cyclonic Storm Nivar weakened into a Deep Depression, says IMD

7:03 PM

Minister inspects damage caused by cyclone to fishing harbour

Tamil Nadu Minister O S Manian on Thursday inspected the damage caused by the cyclone to the rubble mound wall of the under-construction fishing harbour at Tarangambadiin Nagapattinam district. Local fishermen appealed to the Handlooms Minister to increase the width and theheight of the wall to prevent damage by natural calamities in the future.

 

To this, the Minister said the Union government's attention would be drawn to the issue and suitable measures would be taken.

 

The harbour was being constructed at a cost of Rs 120 crore. To safeguard the harbour from tides, the rubble mound was constructed on the seafront. On Wednesday due to the cyclonic storm Nivar, the sea remained very rough at Tarangambadi and the wall sustained damage on the southern side with the tides thrashing the huge granite stones.

6:17 PM

Cyclone Nivar LIVE: Prohibitory order in Puducherry lifted

In view of the cyclone, a prohibitory order that has been in force here since November 24 to prevent movement of people and also gathering was lifted on Thursday. Rescinding the order imposed under section 144 CrPC, District Magistrate Purva Garg said preliminary assessment ofcyclone-related evacuation, rescue and relief work was undertaken by the territorial administration, and there was no loss of life or major damage reported from anywhere in the Union Territory.

 

The prohibitory order, enforced till 6 am today since November 24, has been rescinded, she said.

 

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi, in her voice message to the people of Puducherry, thanked them for their cooperation because of which the administration was able to tide over the cyclone and ensure safety to life and property. Reports from District Collectors of Puducherry and Karaikal said except for the fall of the trees, there was no damage to properties.

6:01 PM

Cyclone Nivar LIVE: Puducherry CM visits Uppalam area to assess damage

5:38 PM

Cyclone Nivar LIVE: 25 NDRF teams deployed across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh

Twenty-five teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh in view of Cyclone Nivar, NDRF officials said.

 

"Landfall happened yesterday at midnight. 25 NDRF teams were assigned, 15 in Tamil Nadu, four in Puducherry and six in Andhra Pradesh. The cyclone is weakening gradually but it has the potential to cause further damage. Precautionary measures are being taken," Randeep Rana, DIG NDRF, told ANI on Thursday.

 

He said a total of seven teams of NDRF have also been deployed in Nellore and Chittoor districts of Andhra Pradesh, which share their border with Tamil Nadu.

 

The "very severe" Cyclonic Storm Nivar made landfall on the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry from 11:30 pm on Wednesday night to 2:30 on Thursday and moved west-northwest direction while moving at the speed of 9 kmph, India Meteorological Department stated.

5:14 PM

Cyclone Nivar LIVE: Tamil Nadu CM visits a relief camp to meet affected people

4:59 PM

Cyclone Nivar brings torrential rains to Andhra Pradesh, one dead

Normal life was thrown out of gear as heavy to extremely heavy rainfall ranging from 6 cm to 30 cm battered at least half of Andhra Pradesh under the influence of cyclone Nivar, leaving one dead. Another farmer was feared washed away while NDRF personnel rescued two others from a reservoir in Chittoor district. According to the State Disaster Management Authority, SPS Nellore, Chittoor, Kadapa, Krishna, Prakasam and East Godavari districts received heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at more than 177 places.

 

Other districts like Anantapuramu, Kurnool, Guntur and West Godavari were also receiving moderate to heavy rainfall under Nivars impact. It said gales with a speed of 45-65 kmph were lashing SPS Nellore and Chittoor districts bordering Tamil Nadu. Tirumala Hills, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, has been receiving incessant rain since Wednesday, causing a lot of hardship to hundreds of devotees stranded there.

4:26 PM

LIVE: Three killed as cyclone Nivar wreaks havoc in Tamil Nadu

Three persons were killed and an equal number injured as the very severe cyclonic storm Nivar wreaked havoc in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Thursday. According to the Tamil Nadu government, three persons lost their lives due to rain related incidents and three got injured. The state government also said that 26 cattle had also died in the storm. On its way the cyclone also damaged several houses, uprooted trees and power lines in Tamil Nadu's Cuddalore, Marakkanam and in Puducherry also.

 

A total of 101 houses, including thatched huts and tiled houses were damaged by cyclone, the Tamil Nadu government said.

 

According to the government, about 380 trees were uprooted by Nivar and 14 acre banana plantation was also damaged. In Tamil Nadu's Villupuram district, police said the fallen trees have been removed to ease the flow of traffic. The government said it was carrying out the repairs quickly to restore power lines. A total of 19 electric poles, which fell down, have been repaired.

3:51 PM

Nivar cyclone: Several houses waterlogged in Andhra's Chittoor due to heavy rainfall

Scores of houses in Chittoor district's Vadamalapeta Mandal were waterlogged on Thursday due to the heavy rainfall caused by cyclone Nivar. Due to the heavy rainfall, people are facing several problems as water entered into their households. Heavy rain affected several areas in Chittoor district including Erpedu, Srikalahasti, Satyavedu, and Renigunta. Andhra Pradesh Disaster Management Commissioner K Kannababu said that there is no loss of life so far in the state due to cyclone Nivar.

 

"Extremely heavy rainfall is recorded in 9 Mandals and heavy rainfall is recorded in 96 Mandals in 7 districts of the state. Wind speed is less than 65 kmph in Andhra Pradesh, so not much damage is reported," he said. "The situation is fully under control and district collectors are on the alert to face any situation. 7,772 people have been evacuated in various places of AP, and 111 relief camps are being organized, especially in Nellore, Chittoor and some parts of Kadapa and Prakasam districts".

 

Kannababu further said that both State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response (NDR) teams are deployed and some teams have been kept in standby.

3:30 PM

Cyclone Nirav LIVE: Tamil Nadu Deputy CM visits water-logged areas in Chennai

3:01 PM

Cyclone Nirav LIVE: Amit Shah assures Tamil Nadu, Puducherry CMs of all possible help

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday spoke to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Chief Ministers Edappadi K. Palaniswami and V. Narayanasamy respectively and took stock of the situation in the wake of Cyclone Nivar. In the telephonic conversation, the Home Minister assured both the Chief Ministers of all possible help from the Centre.

 

"We are closely monitoring the situation in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the wake of Cyclone Nivar. Have spoken to CM Shri @EPSTamilNadu and CM Shri @VNarayanasami and assured all possible help from the centre," Shah said.

 

The Home Minister added that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are already in place to help the people.

2:37 PM

Cyclone Nivar effect: 164 places receive more than 60 mm rainfall in Andhra Pradesh

In the past 24 hours till Thursday morning, 164 places in Andhra Pradesh witnessed a rainfall of more than 60 mm as the very severe cyclonic storm Nivar lashed the whole state. According to the Meteorological department, five places in Nellore district registered the highest rainfall -- APFT Colony (302.7 mm), Boggulamitta Ward (272.7 mm), MPP School (264 mm), Summer storage tank (242.7 mm) and Thatipatri (239.5 mm). Chittoor district Collector Narayan Bharat Gupta said an average of 8.6 cm rainfall lashed a few places in the district on Wednesday.

 

"Varadaiyapalem, Yerpedu, Srikalahasti, Satyavedu, Nagulapuram, Vijayapuram and Narayanavanam mandals witnessed rainfall more than 12 cm," said Gupta.

 

Due to heavy inflow, he said the gates of the major reservoirs were being opened to release water. Advising caution to the public, the Collector said people should not attempt to cross the roads even if the water flow is less. "We request you to stay at home safely for one or two days, until the situation gets better," said Gupta. He said the district administration shut roads in K.V. Puram and Pichapuram because of the heavy outflow of rain water.

2:02 PM

LIVE: Nivar weakens into cyclonic storm over north coastal Tamil Nadu

The severe cyclonic storm Nivar weakened into a cyclonic storm over coastal Tamil Nadu and it is set to further weaken into a deep depression, the India Meteorological Department said on Thursday.

 

"Severe cyclonic storm Nivar weakened into a cyclonic storm over north coastal Tamil Nadu. The cyclonic storm Nivar would continue to move northwestwards and weaken further into a deep depression during next 06 hours and into a depression by subsequent 06 hours," the IMD said on its twitter handle.

 

Very severe cyclonic storm Nivar made landfall near Puducherry in the wee hours of today even as heavy rains lashed Tamil Nadu and the union territory leading to inundation and uprooting of trees. Nivar also weakened into a severe cyclonic storm after it crossed coast near Puducherry.

1:45 PM

Cyclone Nivar: Three killed, 3 more injured in Tamil Nadu, essential services restored

At least three people have been killed while another three suffered injuries due to Cyclone Nivar in Tamil Nadu, Atulya Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary of the state said here on Thursday.

 

"It was a very serious cyclone. Due to measures taken by the state government, things are very much in control. As of now only 3 deaths have been reported while 3 people were injured. 101 huts damaged, and 380 fallen trees removed. There is a complete restoration of essential services. There is no problem of drinking water, electricity, or any healthcare," Mishra told ANI.

 

Waterlogging in parts of Chennai city was seen following overnight rainfall due to the cyclone.

 

India Meteorological Department (IMD) said "severe" cyclonic storm Nivar weakened into a cyclonic storm over north coastal Tamil Nadu. "It would continue to move northwestwards and weaken further into a deep depression during the next 6 hours and into a depression by subsequent 6 hours," IMD said.

12:41 PM

Cyclone Nivar impact: Offices, factories remain closed in Chennai

Many factories, offices and commercial establishments remained closed in and around Chennai on Thursday as the very severe cyclonic storm Nivar, crossed the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts. Meanwhile, Chennai received 1497.60 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours 9(till 6 am).

 

Some of the factories including Hyundai, Ashok Leyland and a few other manufacturing units in and around Chennai were also closed.

 

Tamil Nadu government had announced a public holiday in 16 districts, including Chennai, due to the cyclone. Read on...

11:45 AM

We're closely monitoring situation in Tamil Nadu & Puducherry in the wake of Cyclone Nivar, says Amit Shah

Have spoken to Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi K Palaniswami & Puducherry CM V.Narayanasamy and assured all possible help from the centre. NDRF teams are on ground to help people in need: Amit Shah

10:37 AM

Puducherry: NDRF personnel clear uprooted trees in Kamaraj Nagar area

9:56 AM

Chennai to have moderate rainfall till tomorrow: IMD

9:56 AM

Fishermen advised not to go to sea in South-coastal Andhra Pradesh & North-coastal Tamil Nadu: IMD

8:53 AM

Tamil Nadu: Waterlogging in parts of Chennai city following overnight rainfall due to cyclone nivar

8:44 AM

Cyclone Nivar: Railways cancels trains

The Railways has cancelled over a dozen special trainsscheduled to either originate from and terminate in the southern states, and offered full refund.