'Nivar' to get stronger; NDRF deploys 30 teams in TN and Puducherry

The IMD has issued a red alert in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and a yellow alert for coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is predicted that Cyclone Nivar is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm during next 12 hours and into a very severe cyclonic storm during the subsequent 12 hours.

New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department, on Tuesday, has issued a red alert for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and a yellow alert for coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, predicting that the Cyclone Nivar is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm during next 12 hours and into a very severe cyclonic storm during the subsequent 12 hours.

In the view of that, 30 NDRF teams have also pre-positioned at likely to be affected areas, who are working in coordination with respective district and local administration.

"12 teams are positioned in Tamil Nadu, 2 teams in Puducherry and 1 team in Karaikal. 3 teams are positioned in Nellore and 1 in Chittoor. 3 teams are pre-positioned in Vizag. Total 22 teams are available on the ground and 8 teams on standby. Total 30 teams of NDRF are committed at this task," said Director General of NDRF, SN Pradhan while addressing a press conference.

He further added, "It is a rapidly developing situation. NDRF control room is monitoring the situation 24X7, coordinating with states. All teams have reliable wireless and satellite communications, tree cutters/pole cutters for post-landfall restoration if the need arises."

In view of current COVID-19 situation, NDRF teams have been equipped with appropriate PPE kits, and they will work as per the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Teams are already at work, distributing masks and alerting people about cyclonic storm.

According to the IMD prediction, the cyclonic storm is very likely to move West Northwest words for next 12 hours. Fairly widespread to widespread rainfall activity e is very likely over coastal and North interior Tamilnadu Puducherry and Karaikal during 24th to 26th November.

"Cyclone Nivar will cross Tamil Nadu, Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram and intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm tonight with 120-130 kmph wind speed gusting to 145 kmph by late evening of November 25," said Director General of IMD, Mrityunjay Mohapatra.

He further added, "Extremely heavy rainfall is expected in coastal and north interior Tamil Nadu districts on November 25. The most vulnerable zone is North Tamil Nadu districts."

IMD has also informed that the Gale wind speed reaching 75 to 85 mph gusting to 95 kmph is prevailing over south-west Bay of Bengal. It would further increase becoming 110 to 120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph over the Southwest Bay Of Bengal from 25th November morning, increasing to 120 to 130 kmph gusting to 145 kmph during the noon to the night of November 25.