Cyclone 'Vardah' Halts Regular Life in Tamilnadu: Varsities Declare Holiday

Anticipating disturbance to the normalcy of students' life due to the intense cyclone 'Vardah' in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh today, the state government today declared holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur, besides coastal taluks of Villupuram.

"They should take necessary steps for ensuring the safety of their students especially hostel inmates and their water and food requirements," an official release, detailing the discussions the Chief Minister had with his senior officials including Chief Secretary B Ramamohana Rao, said.

Also an advisory for the private offices has been issued by the Tamil Nadu government to declare holiday in these districts besides coastal taluks of Villupuram or to allow their staff to work from home.

Recently, in the very same month of December this year, the Anna University postponed theory examinations due to Cyclone Nada. Later, a series of holidays followed due to the demise of Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa and the announcement Milad Un Nabi public holiday. The theory exams of the University is now scheduled from December 17.

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According to the meteorological department, Vardah, now a severe cyclonic storm, is crossing north of Chennai. It is likely to cross completely by 6 pm today.

The landfall will be accompanied by strong winds at the speed of 80 to 90 kmph and heavy to very heavy rainfall, an IMD release said.

Flight and suburban rail services have been cancelled and completely suspended, runways shut and only some buses are plying on roads due to water stagnations. Many places have reported fallen trees due to the windy condition.

However, the Chennai Corporation and Tamil Nadu government claim to have taken precautions. NDRF teams are on stand by. People in low-lying areas are being evacuated and unprooted trees are being removed, despite heavy rains. Chennai recorded six centimeters rainfall since 8:30 am.

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