IMD informed that a tidal wave of about 1 metre height above the astronomical tide is very likely to inundate the low-lying areas

Cyclonic storm ‘Nivar’ is likely to make a landfall on the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast in the next 24 hours, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned. Amid this, a review committee meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) was held today to review the preparedness of the states likely to get affected.

The meeting was chaired by Union Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba to review the status of the impending cyclone through video conferencing with the Chief Secretaries of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

The Chief Secretaries informed the NCMC about their preparedness saying that they are ‘fully prepared’ to meet any eventuality. They also informed about the coordination with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other agencies to meet this challenge.

Gauba said that the government is aiming at zero loss of life and early normalcy in the affected areas. The Cabinet Secretary said that the advisories to fishermen not to go into the sea should be strictly implemented. He said that people living in ‘kutcha’ houses may be advised suitably according to the situation.

According to an official statement released by the IMD, the impending Cyclone is going to affect coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry between November 24 and November 26.

“The Depression over southwest and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal moved nearly northwestwards in past 06 hours and lay centred about 600 km south-southeast of Puducherry and 630 km south-southeast of Chennai. It is very likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm during the next 24 hours,” it said.

IMD said that the storm is likely to move northwestwards and cross Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram around November 25 afternoon as a ‘severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph.’

IMD informed that a tidal wave of about 1 metre height above the astronomical tide is very likely to inundate the low-lying areas near the place of rainfall. It also advised fishermen not to venture into the sea.

According to the NDRF, 18 teams have been deployed in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry after the IMD alert. Eighteen more NDRF teams are on standby.