Chennai: The death toll due to cyclonic storm 'Vardah' has risen to 10 in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said.
"Total human loss reported is 10 including four in Chennai, 2 in Kanchipuram, 2 in Tiruvallur district and one each in Viluppuram and Nagapattinam," a statement issued by the NDMA read.
On Monday, four people had lost their lives after Vardah made a landfall in Chennai's Pulicat town with wind speeds touching 100-120 kmph, flattening homes, snapping power and communication lines and disrupting rail, road and air traffic as it crossed the coast.
"Nearly 394 relief camps were set up across the state and more than 15,000 food packets were distributed among the cyclone victims," NDRF sources said.
Beside the local administration, 4,000 officers from the electricity department, 11 expert teams of NDRF and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) were pressed in to action to provide/restore basic amenities/services to the affected people.
As per latest report, out of 312, 100 roads were cleared and 1080 fallen trees were removed for smooth traffic. "Our officers are working hard to clear rest of the roads," a senior NDRF official said.
Chennai Airport that was shut owing to high speed wind have resumed operations after being shut for more than 12 hours.
Commercial establishments downed shutters in Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts. Special medical facilities were arranged in camps and government hospitals.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday assured Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam of the Centre's assistance after cyclone Vardah left a trail of destruction.
The Tamil Nadu government has declared a holiday on Tuesday for all educational institutions in Chennai, Kanchipuram and Thiruvallur districts.
In a brief statement issued here the government said all government and government aided private schools, colleges and other educational institutions in Chennai, Kanchipuram and Thiruvallur districts will remain closed on December 13.
Meanwhile, 'Vardha' likely to hit Goa and Karnataka on Tuesday. Both the state governments are gearing up for all precautionary measures to minimise the damage.
All the emergency services and departments were put on alert. All school and colleges are likely to be closed and fishermen were asked not to venture in sea.
M L Sahu, Director of India Meteorological Department's observatory in Goa had told reporters on Monday that Cyclone Vardah will hit Karnataka On Tuesday and pass through south of Goa on Wednesday.
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