Authorities reported at least three confirmed deaths from the powerful cyclone Nivar, damaged huts, and toppled trees. The typhoon has downgraded from "very severe cyclonic storm" to "severe cyclonic storm" and is expected to become a normal cyclonic storm in Karnataka.
The powerful cyclone Nivar made landfall on India's Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast at around 2:30 AM on Thursday (local time) at winds of 130 kilometers per hour. The cyclone brought strong winds and rains, prompting tens of thousands of people to evacuate in shelters.
Nivar has since weakened into a "severe cyclonic storm" from the "very severe cyclonic storm" which the India Meteorological Department (IMD) initially predicted, which had a wind speed of 120-130 kilometers per hour, with gusts winds of 145 kilometers per hours.
Nivar is moving towards the northwest direction is expected to become a normal cyclonic storm in the Southern interior districts of Kamataka.
Authorities reported at least three confirmed deaths from the powerful cyclone Nivar, damaged huts, and toppled trees. The typhoon has downgraded from " very severe cyclonic storm" to severe cyclonic storm" and is expected to become a normal cyclonic storm in Karnataka.
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Damage brought about by cyclone Nivar
Atulya Mishra, the Additional Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu, posted on Twitter that three deaths, three people injured, 101 huts damaged, and 380 fallen trees were removed.
The powerful winds uprooted trees and toppled electricity poles as heavy rainfall poured in the region, causing flash floods.
The streets of Chennai, Tamil Nadu's largest city, were flooded due to heavy rains from the storm. At least five deaths were recorded in Chennai from fallen trees, drowning, and electrocution. City corporation officials posted on social media that the removal of fallen trees and powerlines are being done.
Mishra said that Nivra is a severe cyclone, but things are in control due to the state government's measures. He also reported a complete restoration of essential services and that there are no reported concerns on drinking water, electricity, or healthcare.
He said that the central government monitors the situation in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry closely, and the National Disaster Response Force personnel are already on the ground to assist the needy. They also assured the chief ministers of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry that they would extend the necessary help.
Meanwhile, Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy visited several Union territory areas to assess the damage brought about by cyclone Nivar.
No loss of life was reported in Puducherry, and the electricity has been restored within 12 hours.
Narayanasamy said Puducherry had torrential rains of 24 centimeters in 24 hours. Uprooted trees in Kamaraj Nagar were also cleared to make way for the public.
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Cyclone Nivar headed towards Karnataka
Cyclone Nivar is headed towards Karnataka and is expected to become a normal cyclonic storm, IMD said.
In the next 48 hours, Bangalore City and its adjacent areas should be expecting light to moderate rains.
The IMD issued a yellow alert in Bengaluru urban and rural parts, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Tumakuru, Mandya, and Ramanagara districts of Karnataka as these areas are expected to have moderate spells of rain to isolated heavy rainfall on November 26 and 27 brought about by cyclone Nivar as it swept through India.
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