Over 1L evacuated from TN, Puducherry in view of cyclone Nivar: NDRF DG

Over one lakh people have been evacuated from coastal areas of Tamil Nu and Puducherry in order to tide over worst challenge put up by Cyclone Nivar that is expected to make landfall in early hours of Thursday, NDRF chief said on Wednesday.

National Disaster Response Force has earmarked a total of 50 teams -- with 30 being deployed on ground in Tamil Nu, Puducherry, and Andhra Presh -- in view of cyclone moving ahe from Bay of Bengal towards coastal areas.

Twenty teams have been kept on standby at Vijaywa (Andhra Presh), Cuttack (Odisha), and Thrissur (Kerala).

S N Prhan, director-general of federal disaster response force, said all preparations have been done to "tide over worst challenge that is put up by cyclone".

"As per reports last received, cyclone may make a landfall a little later than earlier predicted and it could be after 2-3 am on Thursday or on vember 26," Prhan said in a recorded audio-visual mess.

speed is going to be that of a very severe cyclonic storm which is 130-145 km per hour with gusting winds, he said.

landfall is expected to take place between Mamallapuram and Karaikal.

"As per latest reports, more than one lakh people have been evacuated across Tamil Nu and in Puducherry about 1,000-2,000 people have been evacuated by local authorities and NDRF," he said.

He said re is "perfect coordination" between state and central authorities which are monitoring cyclone and force is prepared with equipment like cutters and boats to help rescue those trapped and ensure resumption of rmal life.

A total of 25 NDRF teams are deployed on likely affected coastal areas of Tamil Nu, Puducherry, and Andhra Presh after consultation with state authorities.

"Out of se, 15 teams have been deployed in costal districts of Tamil Nu. Six have been positioned at Cuddalore, three at Viluppuram, two teams each at Chennai and Chengalpattu, while one team each at Mayiluthurai and Nagapattinam districts," an NDRF spokesperson said.

Besides, three teams are deployed at Pondicherry and one team at Karaikal, he said. Three NDRF teams have been deployed at Nellore district and one team at Chittoor in Andhra Presh, spokesperson said.

Sensing severity of situation, five ditional NDRF teams have also been kept on alert at Vijayawa and two teams at Vishakhapatnam for immediate backup, he said. 

In view of current COVID-19 scenario, NDRF teams are equipped with appropriate PPE/special kits, he ded. 

(IM CREDITS: PTI)