Cyclone Vardah

Amid the criticism that there was a delay in the forecast on the amount of heavy rainfall that occurred last week, the Regional Meteorological Centre here said it has world-class equipment and because of warning issued huge loss of lives was prevented when cyclones like Vardah, Michaung crossed the Eastern coast. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and a host of leaders from the ruling DMK had claimed that the India Meteorological Department failed to predict the accurate amount of rainfall in its forecast for the southern districts which faced 'historic' rains last week leading to severe flooding. Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, however, countered the comments by Stalin and said the RMC in Chennai has 'modern' equipment and is a 'state-of-the-art' facility and it had forecast 'heavy rains' in southern states well in advance. The RMC Chennai, in a statement, on Sunday said there were media reports that the centre did not have any modern equipment an

He will also hand over letters requesting the Bharat Ratna award to the late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa

Several industrial units were unable to operate as power and water supply were yet to be restored in many areas

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Chidambaram said it should be ensured that ATMs, bank branches are replenished so people can draw money

Iyer said that as of now, he does not have cancellation numbers of flights flying out of Chennai

According to state authorities, the immediate priority is the restoration of electricity supply

Cyclone Vardah is the first natural disaster after O. Panneerselvam took over as the state Chief Minister

Rice sowing has been lagging behind in the ongoing rabi season in parts of southern states

Insurance sector should expedite claim settlements, said the industry body

Operations at the airport were suspended on Monday due to gusty winds and heavy rainfall

Ten people have died due to the cyclone which hit Chennai on Monday

Operations have resumed at the Chennai airport on Dec 13

Tuesday has been declared a holiday for all educational institutions in Chennai, Thiruvallur and Kanchipuram districts

The cyclone was accompanied by heavy to very heavy rains, which left Chennai drenched

NDMA had asked people in cyclone-hit areas to remain indoors until Dec 13

IndiGo said it will offer full refund for those affected passengers travelling to and from Chennai on Dec 12-13

Cyclone Vardah ripped through Chennai on Monday, killing two and leaving a wide trail of destruction in its wake

Thousands of people were evacuated as roaring wind clocking speed of 100 km an hour uprooted trees, tore off hoardings and toppled cars

The State machinery has been pressed effectively for rescue and relief work undertaken on a war footing