Two killed after Cyclone Vardah hits Tamil Nadu: NDMA

At least two people died on Monday after Cyclone 'Vardah' pounded Tamil Nadu, reported the National Disaster Management (NDM) Authorities.

The NDM authorities further said at least 24 huts were damaged and around 8,008 people were accommodated in 95 relief camps.

Many trees were uprooted and vehicles got damaged after Cyclone Vardah made a landfall at Pulicat (Pazhaverkadu) lashing the coastal Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

At least seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, two State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams and two army columns have been pre-positioned in Tamil Nadu.

Army personnel are also conducting rescue and relief operations after heavy rainfall and strong winds hit the city.

Precautionary measures have been taken by the authorities and people have been asked to be cautious for the next 36 hours. Tamil Nadu, which is receiving heavy rainfall, has been under alert for the last 10 days.

The latest bulletin released by the Meteorological Department said the cyclone is likely to move west wards and weaken gradually, while moving towards north Tamil Nadu and adjoining south Andhra coast. It is likely to cross the coasts close to Chennai as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 80 to 90 kmph to 100 kmph by this afternoon.