Cyclone Nada: Rains lash several parts of Tamil Nadu

Rains on Thursday lashed several parts of Tamil Nadu influenced by cyclonic storm Nada, which is likely to cross the coast near here in the early hours of Friday.

With the cyclonic storm expected to bring heavy downpour coupled with gusty winds, the state government said all precautionary measures have been taken by district administrations to handle any eventuality.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Wednesday's depression over Bay of Bengal has intensified into cyclonic storm Nada and under its influence rains have begun in coastal, northern and some interior parts of Tamil Nadu.

"All the 32 revenue districts including 13 coastal districts are being monitored continuously. The district administrations are fully prepared (to handle any eventuality)," Agricultural Production commissioner and Secretary, Gagandeep Singh Bedi said.

State Revenue Minister RB Udaya Kumar said, "Be it heavy rains (which is expected) and gusty winds, all preparations are on."

He said during heavy winds power lines will be needing more attention and the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation is fully prepared to tackle the situation.

He said other preparations like setting up common kitchens to cater to the needs of people in relief centres and deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) teams were in place in coastal districts, including Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Chennai.