Indian Armed Forces on Alert as Severe Cyclone Hits South India

India’s disaster management authorities expect that intensity will be decreased by midnight. Authorities have evacuated tens of thousands people from low lying areas while government claims that all safety measures have been taken to secure nuclear plant and other highly sensitive strategic assets.

New Delhi (Sputnik) – Southern states of India are facing severe cyclone as heavy rains accompanied by wind speed above 70 miles per hour Chennai coast. Authorities have confirmed two death and hundreds of tree uprooted in first few minutes of cyclone ‘Vardah’. Capital and many other cities of India’s one of the most industrial state Tamil Nadu have been totally cut off from the rest of country as train and air services have been cancelled for further order. Power supply was suspended in many parts as a precautionary measure.

Cars are going crazy... Imagine people coming outside #Vardah #Vardahcyclone #Semmancheri @PTTVOnlineNews @dinakaran_web @news7tamil pic.twitter.com/l3ke99vNL0

— NARAYANAN (@narayanansekar) December 12, 2016

Apart from 15 teams of National Disaster Relief Forces, 600 army personnel are on standby for any emergency situation. Navy and Air Force personnel are also keeping eye on the developments.

#CycloneVardah. One additional @adgpi column placed on standby. Total Army columns now on standby is Seven.

— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 12, 2016

@SpokespersonMoD #cyclonevardah 30 Diving teams fully equipped standing by to be flown as required pic.twitter.com/WuFZOgkCyk

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 12, 2016