The name of severe cyclonic storm ‘Vardah’, which at present lays over the Bay of Bengal, has been given by Pakistan. ‘Vardah’ means red rose. Tidal wave of about one metre height above the astronomical tide is very likely to inundate the low lying areas of Chennai, Thiruvallur and Kanchipuram districts of Tamil Nadu and Nellore districts of Andhra Pradesh during the time of landfall.

Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are expected to be hit by Cyclone Vardah soon and precautionary measures have been taken by the authorities. Tamil Nadu is receiving heavy rainfall. Nearly 50 flights delayed or diverted and section of local train services suspended in Chennai. 

The very severe cyclonic storm Vardah is now located 100-120 km east of Chennai. It is likely to make a landfall between 2.30 pm and 4.30 pm.

National Disaster Response Force chief R K Pachnanda said while eight teams are ready in various areas of Tamil Nadu; seven are in Andhra Pradesh, apart from few others in nearby locations

Each NDRF team, comprising about 45 personnel, has been equipped with rescue gadgets and boats in order to respond to any situation emerging due to the cyclone.

Here’s a list of helpline numbers:

Control room – 044-25619206 / 25619511 / 25384965 / 25383694 / 25367823 / 25387570

Whatsapp complaint – 9445477207, 9445477203, 9445477206, 9445477201, 9445477205