The Cyclone ‘Vardah’ is closer towards Chennai and chances are that it will cross completely by 6 PM today. While the low lying areas have already been evacuated citing concerns of flood like situations, the whole city seems to have come to a halt, with rail services completely shut, runways closed and a limited number buses driving on the road.   

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the landfall will be accompanied by strong winds (with the speed of 80 to 90 kmph) and very heavy rainfall. Chennai has reportedly recorded six centimeters rainfall since 8:30 AM. 

"The very severe cyclonic storm Vardah now lies at almost 50 km east-northeast off Chennai. It likely to cross close to Chennai+ by Monday afternoon. “, they added

People in need of any help - Feel free to DM us. We are here 24*7 to serve you in the best way possible. #CycloneVardah

— AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) 12 December 2016

#CycloneVardah: TN Govt announces Amma Canteens will provide free food through today in Chennai.

— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) 12 December 2016

In fact, the Tamil Nadu government has even issued an advisory requesting people to not go outdoors and for those who are out, take shelter between 1 to 4 PM today. Here are some helpline numbers issued by the government, please take a note and pass them forward to as many people as you can. 

Chennai Corporation Whatsapp - 94454 77207, 94454 77203, 94454 77206 , 94454 77201, 94454 77205

Chennai Corporation Helplines - 25619206, 25619511 , 25384965 ,25383694, 25367823, 25387570

#cyclonevardah helpline numbers
RT, spread the word.
Folks in #Chennai, #puducherry, #Rameshwaram and around stay tight
Help eachother pic.twitter.com/mI1RXk6Hqp

— Manish Pandey (@join2manish) 12 December 2016

Till now, over 170 relief camps have been installed in Chennai and the NDRF (National Disaster and Response Force) teams have been positioned in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. In fact, the Navy has also sent two ships to Chennai and nearly 30 diving teams have been kept on standby.  

#cyclonevardah 2X IN ships Shivalik& Kadmatt out at sea & holding N of Chennai 2 provide immediate assistance if required @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/dR4loPf872

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) 12 December 2016

All precautions are taken at Nuclear Plant-Kalpakkam to face #Vardah.All is well & plant operation is normal.The plant is in touch with IMD.

— NDMA India (@ndmaindia) 12 December 2016

@SpokespersonMoD #cyclonevardah 30 Diving teams fully equipped standing by to be flown as required pic.twitter.com/WuFZOgkCyk

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) 12 December 2016

Reportedly, Cyclone Vardah is said to be the strongest cyclone since October 2014. Earlier, Cyclone Hud Hud hit Andhra Pradesh and took over 100 lives and caused nearly $3.4 billion worth damage. It’s a humble request guys, stay indoors and circulate the helpline numbers mentioned above to as many people as you can, so as to help the people stuck in affected areas. 

Source: The Hindu