Cyclone LIVE: Rain subsides in Chennai; cyclone to make landfall tomorrow

Incessant rain ceased a bit on Wednesday (October 16) in most parts of northern Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, bringing respite to people, but many areas across the city are still flooded.

The Tamil Nadu government said that disaster response force teams are on standby in 26 locations in Chennai and nearby districts. The Greater Chennai Corporation has housed people living in low-lying areas in relief centres, and all support, including food, is being extended to them.

The IMD said the depression over the Bay of Bengal is now about 360 km east-southeast of Chennai, 390 km east of Puducherry and 450 km southeast of Nellore in Andhra Pradesh.

"It is likely to move west-northwestwards and cross north Tamil Nadu - South Andhra Pradesh coasts between Puducherry and Nellore, close to Chennai during early morning of 17th October," the department said.

Chief Minister Stalin announced that on October 16 and 17, food will be provided free of cost in Amma canteens in Chennai to support the poor.

Karnataka

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast very heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning and squall on Wednesday for coastal, north interior and south interior parts of Karnataka. It has forecast very heavy rain for Bengaluru and surrounding districts of coastal, north interior and south interior of Karnataka till October 18, IMD said.

Overcast conditions are likely to continue in the city over the next three to four days.

Andhra Pradesh

According to an IMD official, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at a few places in Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday, along with extremely heavy rainfall in some isolated places.

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