Tamil Nadu, Puducherry on high alert as cyclone NIVAR is likely to hit on November 25 evening

The Cyclone Warning Division has said that the deep depression has intensified into a cyclonic storm “NIVAR” over southwest Bay of Bengal.

It has been predicted that it will cross Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram around Puducherry during November 25 evening as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 100 to 110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph.

Isolated extremely heavy rainfall activity is also expected over many districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry during November 25 and over south Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema (Nellore and Chittoor districts) on November 25 and 26 and over Telangana on November 26.

A tidal wave of about 1m height above the astronomical tide is very likely to inundate the low-lying areas of the north coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry near the place of landfall.

Fishermen are advised not to venture into Southwest & adjoining west-central & the southeast Bay of Bengal, Gulf of Mannar, and along & off Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh coasts.

Deep Depression weakens into a Depression over the Gulf of Aden and adjoining Somalia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and Puducherry Chief Minister Shri V Narayanasami regarding the situation in the wake of Cyclone Nivar.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "Spoke to Tamil Nadu CM Shri @EPSTamilNadu and Puducherry CM Shri @VNarayanasami regarding the situation in the wake of Cyclone Nivar. Assured all possible support from the Centre. I pray for the safety and well-being of those living in the affected areas."