Cyclone Nivar weakens after landfall on Indian coast, leaves material damages
New Delhi, Nov 26 (efe-epa).- Cyclone Nivar, categorized as severe by the meteorological department, caused material damages on Thursday, with numerous fallen trees and blocked roads, after making landfall around midnight along the coast of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in southern India.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported at 7.30 am local time that the cyclone, after reaching the coast with wind gusts of up to 145 kilometers per hour, would continue to move northwest and weaken into a cyclonic storm.
Towards midnight, Nivar is expected to turn into a depression with sustained winds of between 35 and 45 kilometers per hour, according to the IMD.
The meteorological body warned that strong winds could still cause damage to homes and roads and affect power supply especially in areas falling in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) tweeted images of fallen trees and roads cut off as a result of the cyclone. Meanwhile, the authorities are yet to report any casualties.
Home Minister Amit Shah said in a statement that he was “closely monitoring the situation in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the wake of Cyclone Nivar”, and assured the regional authorities of the necessary aid.
Moreover, he underlined that NDRF teams were on the ground to help the people with whatever they may require against this situation.
Nivar paralyzed air traffic and halted a large part of all commercial activity in the southern India.
Tens of thousands of people living in the coastal areas were evacuated against prediction of heavy rain and floods caused by the cyclone.
The coastal areas of India are known to frequently suffer from cyclones. The previous one hit the western state of Maharashtra in August and left at least six dead and caused material damages.
In May, super cyclone Amphan left more than 100 people dead in India and Bangladesh, in what was one of the worst such incidents in years. EFE-EPA
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