Madras Atomic Power Station braces for cyclone Nivar, activates cyclone protection machinery

The Madras Atomic Power Station situated in Kalpakkam, 70 km away from Chennai city and the adjoining Bay of Bengal, has activated its cyclone protection machinery as Tamil Nadu and Puducherry brace for the impact of severe cyclone 'Nivar'.  The weather system is expected to make landfall between Karaikal and Mamallapuram by Wednesday (November 25) late evening. 

According to the Station Director M.Srinivas, the power station's unit 2 is operating at full capacity of 220 MW and all plant systems are functioning normally and are expected to withstand the impact of Cyclone Nivar as it makes landfall. 

Preparedness measures including placing sandbags on the coastal side, clearing of storm drains, inspection of plant buildings and structure have been done, added the statement from the plant, which operates under Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited. 

It added that the station authorities were on high alert, closely monitoring the weather bulletins and are ready to take necessary actions when required. 

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami announced a public holiday on Wednesday for the state, as several districts brace for the heavy rains and gusty winds.

According to an update from the weather department, Cyclone Nivar is about 410 km East-Southeast of Puducherry and is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Wednesday, lashing the coast with gusty winds of 100-110 kmph as it makes landfall.

Under the impact of this weather system, rains are expected to lash the coastal areas until Thursday.