Chennai: The Meteorological Department (Met) has issued an alert on Cyclone Nivar which is expected to cause heavy rainfall in different parts of Tamilnadu, including Chennai, starting tomorrow.
As per predictions by the MeT department, the heavy rains would intensify into a cyclonic storm in 48 hours.
The cyclone would move over Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, reports said. Fishermen in Tamilnadu and Puducherry have been warned not to venture into the sea until the cyclone has passed.
The city police have been put on an alert since the warning has been issued and an efficient control room system has been put in place.
According to a senior police official, a control room has been opened with three teams lead by an Assistant Commissioner along with an Inspector, Sub-Inspector and Constable working on three shifts for the next few days.
They will be constantly monitoring the water levels and situation at places such as Chembarambakam and Puzhal lakes. They will also keep a tab on Marina Beach and other coast lines.
The control room will be making observations based on reports from the MeT department. The local police will be on duty with several teams on the grounds patrolling the entire city.
“We have been asked to take pictures of tree falling incidents, power disruption, flooding and road blocks. The pictures will be sent to the control room and will be seen by the City Commissioner Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, Control Room Deputy Commissioner and the Intelligence unit,” police sources said.
The city police working in tandem with Greater Chennai Corporation will have such incidents resolved.
Beaches such as Marina, Elliots and those in ECR have reportedly been closed. ‘Visitors are not allowed and fishermen have been informed not to venture into the waters,’ sources added.