Cyclone Mandous would pass between Puducherry and Sriharikota around midnight.
The IMD issued a rain warning for Tamil Nadu on Thursday i.e., 8th December 2022 as cyclonic storm ‘Mandous’ over the Bay of Bengal is anticipated to cross the shoreline between Puducherry and Sriharikota in areas surrounding Andhra Pradesh at midnight on 9th December 2022.
Cyclone Mandous is expected to intensify on Friday, so Tamil Nadu officials have suggested some precautionary measures for citizens to avoid any mishaps. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is one of the most vulnerable areas to a powerful cyclone. Today, the weather service issued a red alert in three districts of Tamil Nadu due to Cyclone Mandous. Chengalpattu, Villupuram, and Kancheepuram are among the districts on alert, with six National Disaster Response Force teams stationed. Schools and colleges in Tamil Nadu districts, including Chennai, are closed today due to the heavy rain alert. Since last night, the northern part of the state has received light to moderate rainfall.
The weather office said this morning that Cyclone Mandous will pass between Puducherry and Sriharikota with winds of 65-75 kmph between midnight and early Saturday. SCS Mandous was over SW BoB about 200 kilometres east of Karaikal. It is expected to deteriorate by this evening. The cyclone is expected to uproot trees, causing power outages and flooding.
Today, the cyclone is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm, according to the IMD. The Chennai Corporation has requested that people refrain from visiting beaches or park their cars under trees today. The Chennai local authority has ordered that all parks and play areas be closed until further notice. All of the beach shops were also closed.
The government of Tamil Nadu has advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to keep a torch or candles, batteries, dry fruits, and drinking water on hand. It has also requested that all measures be implemented, including the prior announcement of the release of surplus water from reservoirs. The NDRF has teams in ten districts. Boats and tree cutters have been positioned in vulnerable areas. Fishermen have been told to stay away from the water for three days. According to a defence release, the Coast Guard (Eastern Region) has also taken several precautions in light of the cyclone. Fishing boats are constantly being asked to return to port, and all oil rigs and offshore installations have been asked to ensure the safety of the workers, according to the release.
The cyclone is also expected to bring rain to Andhra Pradesh districts such as Nellore, Tirupati, and Chittoor. Yesterday, Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy convened a review meeting and directed Collectors from various districts to be vigilant. In light of the cyclone, Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy also presided over a review meeting. According to him, the state has established 238 relief centres. In addition, NDRF personnel have arrived in Puducherry.