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Storm likely to cross TN coast in afternoon

Shobha Warrier in Madras

The cyclonic storm, which Tuesday night centred over south-west Bay of Bengal, is likely to cross the Tamil Nadu coast between Pampan and Tuticorin Wednesday afternoon.

Nagapattinam District Collector Shivdas Meena told Star News that the administration is in full preparedness to deal with any eventuality.

He said storm shelters have been set up at various points and the officials are ready to launch an evacuation operation.

"No evacuations have been made so far...but we have sent out the warning. All arrangements have been made to move people to safe spots if that becomes necessary," he said.

The storm is now concentrated around 120 km from Pamban, where 9 cm of rain was recorded overnight.

Number 10 (great danger) signal has been hoisted at Pamban and Rameshwaram ports, while number 9 and number 8 signals are up at the Nagapattinam and Tuticorin ports respectively.

Local cautionary signals have been hoisted at Chennai, Cuddalore, Colachel and Pondicherry ports.

As the storm crosses the coast, the sea will be very violent and waves may reach a height of 4 metres or more. Fishermen in the southern coastal areas have been asked not to venture into the sea.

The sky over Madras and Pondicherry will be cloudy.

Depressions in the Bay of Bengal and cyclonic storms are the characteristics of the north-east monsoon. Last month too, there was a deep depression in the bay, which brought severe storm and some damage to the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, especially Cuddalore.

The current depression which started in the south-west of Bay of Bengal off Sri Lanka has intensified as a severe cyclonic storm and is moving towards the south of India after affecting the island and leaving thousands homeless.

Inputs from PTI

EARLIER REPORT
Cyclonic Storm to Hit Tamil Nadu Coast

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