header banner
WORLD

Thousands evacuated as cyclone nears southern India

NEW DELHI, Dec 12: Authorities in southern India evacuated thousands of people from low-lying areas Monday after weather experts issued a cyclone warning.
By Associated Press

NEW DELHI, Dec 12: Authorities in southern India evacuated thousands of people from low-lying areas Monday after weather experts issued a cyclone warning.


Schools and offices were closed and state authorities were on alert in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh states as Cyclone Vardah neared India's southeastern coast.


Police and disaster management teams evacuated more than 15,000 people from low-lying areas, moving them to safer places as heavy rains and strong winds lashed the region. In many places, trees and electrical poles were uprooted by the rain and wind.


Related story

Tens of thousands evacuated as India, Bangladesh brace for supe...


The meteorological office said the cyclone was expected to make landfall near the city of Chennai later Monday.


Fishermen in the two coastal states were warned not to head out, with the seas expected to be rough for the next two days.


At Chennai airport, flight operations were suspended temporarily, officials said.


Indian navy ships and air force planes were ready to handle any emergencies, said disaster management officials.


 

Related Stories
WORLD

1.1 million evacuated before cyclone hits India’s...

WORLD

780,000 evacuated in India ahead of major cyclone

WORLD

Cyclone Fani hits Indian coast, a million people e...

SOCIETY

WEATHER ALERT: Cyclone Amphan developing into supe...

SOCIETY

Parts of Nepal to face indirect effects of cyclone...