Explained: Dos and Don'ts for Cyclone Nivar

The regional meteorological center said that the low-pressure area in the Southwest and southeast adjacent to the Bay of Bengal has become depressed. This depression is located about 550 km southeast of Puducherry and 590 km southeast of Chennai. "It is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm (Prevention) during the next 24 hours. It is likely to move northwest around the afternoon of Nov 25 and cross the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry between Karaikal and Mamallapuram. The Meteorological Department said, "The wind speed is increasing from 100-110 kmph to 120 kmph."

Local caution signal number III was hoisted at Chennai, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Ennore, Kattupalli, Puducherry, and Karaikal ports.

According to the Meteorological Department, on Tuesday, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Ariyalur, Mayiladuthurai, Chennai, Thiruvallur, Chengalpura, Kanchipuram, Tiruchirappalli, Perambalur, Pudukottai, Cuddalore, Vidalpur, Cuddalore, Villagam Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu and Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu Karaikal and Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Revenue Minister RB Udayakumar told the media that necessary arrangements had been made to meet the cyclone. He said that six teams of the National Disaster Response Force had been sent to Cuddalore. 

The Well Marked low-pressure area formed over Southwest adjoining the southeast Bay of Bengal concentrated into a depression on Tuesday. Under its impact, light to moderate rain or thundershower is likely to occur at a few places over the districts of Malkangiri, Rayagada, Gajapati, Koraput, Ganjam, Kandhamal and at isolated places over the rest districts of south Odisha on Nov 25. Heavy rainfall is very likely to occur at isolated places over Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, and Gajapati.

Fishermen are advised not to venture into deep sea areas of southwest & adjoining west-central.

Meanwhile, keeping because of the cyclone Nivar, the Railways have decided to cancel three trains East Coast Railway (ECoR) sources here said the 02898 Bhubaneswar-Pondicherry Special from Bhubaneswar on Nov 24 will run up to Chennai Egmore and will remain cancelled from Chennai Egmore to Pondicherry.

Here is the full list of Do's

Loose things outside the house should be tied or moved indoors

Seal important documents and jewelry in a plastic bag

Regularly inspect battery operated as well as reserve power systems

Pay attention to the official instructions on television and radio

Charge emergency lights, phones, and power banks

If you do not live in a mud house, choose a part of the house as an emergency shelter and practice how all members of the house will use the space during a cyclone

Keep an emergency kit ready

Stay away from windows, close some windows and keep some open so that the pressure is maintained

Stay at the centre of the room, stay away from corners as debris often accumulates there

Hide under strong furniture such as a stool or heavy table or desk, and hold it tight

Use your hands to protect your head and neck

Avoid large roof spaces such as auditoriums and shopping malls.

If you find an open space and enough time, find the right shelter in the nearest pit or pasture.

Relocate to a pre-determined or administration-determined location.

Disconnect the power supply of all non-emergency equipment and tools.

Store drinking water in a clean place

Help people trapped or injured. Provide first aid as needed.

Check for air leaks. If you smell gas or hear a leaking sound, immediately open the windows and exit the building. If possible, turn off the gas valve and report to the gas company.

Check for damage to electrical equipment. If you notice sparks, exposed wires, or burning smells of rubber, disconnect the main power supply and call an electrician.

Help those in need of special help like children, physically challenged, elderly, neighbours.

Fishermen should keep a radio set with extra batteries handy.

Fishermen should keep boats and rafts tied up in a safe place.

 

Here is the full list of Don'ts

Don't spread or believe in rumours

Do not attempt to drive or ride any vehicle during the cyclone

Stay away from damaged buildings

Do not move injured people unless it is safe to do so. It may cause more harm

Do not allow oil and other flammable substances to spill. Clean them immediately.

Fishermen should not venture out in the sea.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Navy, Coast Guard, District Administration, and State Disaster Response Force have made pre-emptive deployment in coastal Tamil Nadu. 

 

What should be expected for those in the path of Cyclone Nivar?

– Winds raging between 90 – 110 km/hr at the time of landfall.

– Heavy to very heavy rainfall with squally winds at the time of landfall and up to two hours till the storm crosses the locality.

– Extensive damage to thatched roofed houses, homes with tinned roofs, and asbestos sheets.

– Dislodging of roofs and temporary shelters.

– Leaking roofs, wet walls, and breaking of glass panes of windows, leading to a splintering of small glass pieces.

– Inundation of low-lying areas, parking spaces, and fields.

– Storm surge could bring saline water to farms.

– Disruption to power and telecommunications lines due to strong winds.

– Disconnection of satellite TV, internet, and cellular phone services.

– Uprooting of trees and felling of weak branches, causing road closures.

– Temporary disruption to rail and air travel.