Chennai: Cyclone Mandous, which formed in the Bay of Bengal, is expected to hit the coast of Chennai on Friday at midnight, with the possibility of heavy rains in Tamil Nadu. The state government has announced an alert and made arrangements in high-risk areas. Apart from Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh are also likely to rain.
Mandaus will pass through Mamallapuram near Chennai between midnight on Friday and dawn on Saturday. The cyclone will land at a speed of 65-75 km/h. The intensity of the cyclone may decrease after Saturday afternoon.
A holiday has been declared for schools and colleges in 12 districts of Tamil Nadu due to the possibility of heavy rain following the cyclone. Holidays have been declared for educational institutions in districts like Chennai, Thiruvallur, Vellore, Ranipettai and Kancheepuram. A light rain has been lashing various parts of northern Tamil Nadu since Thursday night. According to data as of 5.30am on Friday, Chennai received 52.5mm of rain.
The Chennai Municipal Corporation has advised not to open parks and playgrounds until further notice. People were also advised to avoid visiting the beach on Fridays and not to park their vehicles under trees. All shops on the beaches are closed. A total of 5,093 relief camps have been opened in the state.
Villupuram, Kancheepuram, Puducherry and Chengalpattu regions are likely to experience heavy rainfall. A red alert has been declared in 13 districts of the state. National Disaster Response Force teams were deployed in ten districts. Boats and loggers have been prepared for the rescue mission.
Apart from Tamil Nadu, Mandaus is likely to cause rainfall in various districts of Andhra Pradesh. It is likely to rain in Nellore, Tirupati and Chittoor districts. In this context, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jaganmohan Reddy had convened a review meeting on Thursday. Also alerted collectors of various districts.
In the wake of Cyclone Mandaus, Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangaswamy had also called a review meeting. 238 relief centers have been opened in Puducherry. NDRF Gang members have also been deployed in Puducherry.
