Cyclone Mandous updates

The cyclone claimed five lives, uprooted about 500 trees and caused power disruptions in many areas of Chennai.

December 09, 2022 09:16 am | Updated December 10, 2022 09:18 pm IST

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin visited coastal areas in Chennai and distributed relief material to residents affected by Cyclone Mandous on December 10.a

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin visited coastal areas in Chennai and distributed relief material to residents affected by Cyclone Mandous on December 10.a | Photo Credit: M. Karunakaran

Cyclone Mandous that crossed the north Tamil Nadu coast near Mamallapuram during early hours of Saturday with fierce winds and heavy downpour, claimed five lives, uprooted about 500 trees and caused power disruptions till Saturday afternoon in many areas in the city. Of the five persons who died, four were electrocuted in different locations.

Heavy rains pounded several areas in north Tamil Nadu and particularly in and around Chennai that came under the cyclone’s track. Vembakkam in Tiruvannamalai received a whopping 25 cm of rainfall during the past 24 hours ending 8.30 a.m. on Saturday following by Panapakkam in Ranipet district with 20 cm and Kancheepuram (19 cm). The cyclone had dumped heavy rains in and around Chennai and Avadi recorded the highest amount for the day with 17 cm.

Cyclone Mandous had emerged as a strong cyclone as it maintained a wind speed of 65-75 kmph gusting to 85kmph as it entered the land. It moved at a speed of 12-14 kmph and made landfall between 11.30 p.m. on Friday and 1.30 a.m. on Saturday.

The system weakened into a well-marked low pressure area over north interior Tamil Nadu on Saturday evening. It is very likely to move nearly west-southwestwards and weaken further. Rain bands had shifted to north interior parts of Tamil Nadu as the system moved further inland.

While rain intensity largely reduced over north coastal areas on Saturday, places like Vellore (3.4 cm); Tirupattur (1.2 cm); Dharmapuri (1.1cm); Kalavai in Ranipet district (2 cm) between 8.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m.

On Sunday, light to moderate rains may continue over many places with isolated heavy rains over 12 districts.

Cyclone Mandous makes landfall, leaves trail of destruction over north coastal Tamil Nadu
| Video Credit: The Hindu

Here are the live updates:

5.30 p.m.
Fishermen who had been staying off from venturing into the sea for the past few days in the wake of Cyclone Mandous, mended their fishing nets in Pamban on December 10, a day after the cyclone crossed the coast, hoping for nod from the officials of fisheries development for fishing.

Fishermen who had been staying off from venturing into the sea for the past few days in the wake of Cyclone Mandous, mended their fishing nets in Pamban on December 10, a day after the cyclone crossed the coast, hoping for nod from the officials of fisheries development for fishing. | Photo Credit: Balachandar L.

5.20 p.m.

Mandous impact on Rajampeta in Annamayya district

Cyclone Mandous had its impact on the three mandals of Railway Kodur, Obulavaripalle, and Rajampeta in Annamayya district.

The traffic on the National Highway came to a grinding halt between Railway Kodur and Balapalle following the overflowing of rainwaters, flowing from the nearby hillocks. The revenue and police officials rushed to the spot and had a tough time clearing the traffic after clearing the waterlogging. A big stretch of paddy fields was reported submerged in Rajampeta mandal. — Umasankar K.

4.45 p.m.

Heavy rainfall in Udhagamandalam

Due to continuous rains, several trees fell in few places of Udhagamandalam. The town recorded 79 mm rainfall till 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Due to continuous rains, several trees fell in few places of Udhagamandalam. The town recorded 79 mm rainfall till 4 p.m. on Saturday. | Photo Credit: Sathyamoorthy M.

4.40 p.m.

Airport operations suspended for two hours early on Saturday, normality restored

Earlier on Saturday, Chennai airport had to suspend the departure and arrival operations for two hours, as Cyclone Mandous was making landfall near the city.

According to officials of Airports Authority of India (AAI), between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m., on Saturday, operations were temporarily stopped due to heavy cross winds and rains and as many as 16 flights had to be diverted to Bengaluru and Hyderabad. But at present, operations are running normally and on schedule, officials said. — Sunitha Sekar

4.22 p.m.

Rain showers in Mamallapuram

Rain water logged in Shore temple, Mamallapuram, due to heavy wind caused by Cyclone Mandous on December 10.

Rain water logged in Shore temple, Mamallapuram, due to heavy wind caused by Cyclone Mandous on December 10. | Photo Credit: Velankanni Raj B.

2.27 p.m.

Rain-related deaths in and around Chennai

Two persons, a 42-year-old woman and her 30-year-old relative were electrocuted when they stepped on a high tension cable which snapped in Madipakkam, late on Friday night, The victims were identified as Lakshmi, 42 who is a construction labourer and her nephew Rajendran, 30.

In a freak incident, an employee of an IT firm died, after a glass piece, dislodged from a window due to heavy winds, pierced his stomach. The victim was identified as Vijayakumar, who was on night duty at his office on Friday night. He died, since no one was there to attend to him in the night hours, said police sources.

Meanwhile, two young men from Bihar were reportedly electrocuted in a village near Sriperumbudur, when they accidentally stepped on a live wire on Friday night. The men were identified as Niranjankumar, 22 and Sugankumar, 24 — R. Sivaraman

1.55 p.m.

Four deaths reported, over 180 houses damaged

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin discusses with the officials the damages caused by the Mandous cyclone, at the Secretariat, in Chennai, on December 10. Also seen in the picture are Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary V. Irai Anbu and Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin discusses with the officials the damages caused by the Mandous cyclone, at the Secretariat, in Chennai, on December 10. Also seen in the picture are Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary V. Irai Anbu and Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement.

“Four lives lost in Cyclone Mandous so far, State has recovered quickly thanks to precautionary measures taken,” says T.N. CM Stalin.

Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, who visited cyclone-affected areas in Chennai on Saturday, said the State had recovered quickly from the effects of Cyclone Mandous, thanks to the precautionary measures taken by the State and the dedicated work of government employees. Four deaths, more than 180 houses damaged

The CM said, so far, four people and 98 cattle had been killed in the rain. “A total of 181 houses and huts are damaged and a survey is going on to assess the damage. The government has already set up 201 shelters and a total of 9,130 members of 3,163 families have been accommodated there.

Over the last 24 hours, 37 districts have witnessed rain and the average rainfall in the State is 20.8mm.

The districts that witnessed heavy rain are Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Tiruvannamalai and Ranipet, the CM said. — B. Kolappan

1:38 p.m.

Many trees fell across the city, work underway to remove them

Greater Chennai City Police said due to rains caused by Cyclone Mandous, 101 trees fell on roads in South & East zone, 26 trees in North & West zone. Approximately 100 trees were removed with the coordination of Greater Chennai Police. The work of removing the remaining trees is going on fast. Also power poles fell on 5 roads. 4 poles were removed. Action has been taken to remove an electric pole, said police.

1:07 p.m.
The vast salt pans in Kovalam have been submerged in rainwater gushing in from Kelambakkam OMR and other areas. The pans are under four feet of water and salt makers will have to wait for the water to drain off naturally before they can start operations. 

The vast salt pans in Kovalam have been submerged in rainwater gushing in from Kelambakkam OMR and other areas. The pans are under four feet of water and salt makers will have to wait for the water to drain off naturally before they can start operations.  | Photo Credit: M. Karunakaran

12:40 p.m.
Rain water logged in Tiger cave in Mamallapuram due to heavy wind caused by the cyclonic storm ‘Mandous’.

Rain water logged in Tiger cave in Mamallapuram due to heavy wind caused by the cyclonic storm ‘Mandous’. | Photo Credit: B. Velankanni Raj 

12:35 p.m.
The Greater Chennai Corporation has opened playgrounds after Cyclone Mandous, in several areas of Central Chennai on December 10, 2022.

The Greater Chennai Corporation has opened playgrounds after Cyclone Mandous, in several areas of Central Chennai on December 10, 2022. | Photo Credit: M. Vedhan

12:05 p.m.

Low-lying areas in Vellore inundated

Parts of Vellore were water-logged following the rains.

Parts of Vellore were water-logged following the rains. | Photo Credit: C. Venkatachalapathy

Heavy rains lashed several parts of Vellore town since Friday night due to Cyclone Mandous, resulting in the inundation of low-lying areas like Mango Mandi, Kansalpet and Sampath Nagar within the Vellore Corporation limits. Civic workers have been pumping out stagnant water from Kansas pet where residents had to wade through knee-deep water —D Madhavan

12:02 p.m.

Electricity poles fall in Chennai due to cyclone’s gusting winds

The Greater Chennai police said that of the 105 trees that fell over due to rains and winds in the city, 94 were removed with police coordination. The work of removing the remaining trees is going on. Electricity poles fell on five roads. Of these, three have been removed so far, while work is on to clear the other two poles —R. Sivaraman

11:58 a.m.

Vehicle movement stopped on Friday near Chennai beaches, resumes on Saturday

Partly inundated Marina beach inner road due to cyclonic storm Mondous on December 10, 2022.

Partly inundated Marina beach inner road due to cyclonic storm Mondous on December 10, 2022. | Photo Credit: S.R. Raghunathan

Taking into account Cyclone Mandou’s landfall late on Friday night traffic was not allowed both ways on Kamarajar Salai between Gandhi Statue and Napier Bridge except for the residents living on this stretch, and emergency services vehicles, from 11 p.m. on Friday. From 6 a.m. on Saturday however, traffic was allowed as usual.

Similarly, traffic was not allowed both ways on ECR between Akkarai and Kovalam except for the residents living on this stretch and emergency services vehicles from 10 p.m. on Friday. From 6 a.m. on Saturday, traffic was allowed as usual. —R. Sivaraman

11:54 a.m.

Over 10,000 housed in 169 shelters across Chennai

More than 10,000 persons were housed in 169 relief shelters in various parts of the city, following the Cyclone Mandou’s landfall late on Friday night. Many of the residents have now, on Saturday, started returning home. Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin visited Injambakkam and Kelambakkam where he distributed relief material to residents at the temporary shelters. —Aloysius Xavier Lopez and B Kolappan

11:32 a.m.

Beach sands washed away along East Coast Road, fishing nets damaged

A scene in Kovalam where fishing boats can be seen pulled up on the beach, even as residents visit the shore.

A scene in Kovalam where fishing boats can be seen pulled up on the beach, even as residents visit the shore. | Photo Credit: M. Karunakaran

All along the East Coast Road in Chennai, strong winds brought in by Cyclone Mandous have washed away sands on the beaches. Fallen electricity poles and tree branches litter the roads in areas such as Palavakkam, Kottivakkam, and Neelankarai. However, there has been no major water-logging in these areas.

Many boats were moved inland using cranes before the storm struck. Only fishing nets were damaged since those are too heavy to be dragged. —Deepa H Ramakrishnan

11: 25 a.m.

Rainfall data as of December 10, 2022, 8:30 a.m. 

Following heavy rains in many parts of Tamil Nadu triggered by Cyclone Mandous, Vembakkam in  Tiruvannamalai district recorded the highest rainfall at 25 cm, in the 24 hours ending Saturday, at 8:30 am. 

Minnal in Ranipet district and Panapakkam in Ranipet recorded 20 cm each,

Kancheepuram 19 cm, Cheyyar in Tiruvannamalai district 18 cm, Avadi 17 cm,

Tiruttani in Tiruvallur district 16 cm Ayanavaram Taluk Office in Chennai and Kundrathur in Kancheepuram district 15 cm each.

Less than 15 cm was recorded in Arakonam, Ranipet district, Uthiramerur in Kancheepuram district and Perambur in Chennai district recieved 14 cm rainfall each.

Gummidipoondi in Tiruvallur district, Tambaram, Sriperumbudur, Mammalapuram, Cholavaram in Tiruvallur district, Pallipattu in Tiruvallur district, MGR Nagar in Chennai district, Alandur in Chennai district and Uthukottai in Tiruvallur district recorded 13 cm of rainfall each,

Ambattur, Red Hills, Chengalpattu and Korattur recorded 12 cm of rain each. Several other districts including parts of Chennai recorded between 10 and 11 cm of rain.

11:07 a.m.

Marina beach to remain closed today

Marina beach will remain closed on December 10, 2022, owing to Cyclone Mandous’ landfall. Police can be seen patrolling the stretch on Saturday as they have advised visitors to leave the beach.

Marina beach will remain closed on December 10, 2022, owing to Cyclone Mandous’ landfall. Police can be seen patrolling the stretch on Saturday as they have advised visitors to leave the beach. | Photo Credit: S.R. Raghunathan

10:49 a.m.

Half of 350 uprooted trees cleared, 300 houses damaged

Corporation Commissioner Gagandeep Singh Bedi inspecting cyclone damages at Urur Kuppam near Eliotts beach in Chennai on December 10, 2022.

Corporation Commissioner Gagandeep Singh Bedi inspecting cyclone damages at Urur Kuppam near Eliotts beach in Chennai on December 10, 2022. | Photo Credit: M. Vedhan

The Chennai Corporation has removed half of all uprooted trees in the city. At least 350 trees were uprooted across the 15 zones of the city thanks to heavy rains and strong winds brought in by Cyclone Mandous. Traffic was cleared in 100 streets in the Central Chennai zones of Ambattur, Anna Nagar, Kodambakkam, Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, and Teynampet. Traffic along Marina beach Loop road was disrupted on Saturday, owing to accretion of sand caused by the cyclone landfall.

Chennai Corporation Commissioner Gagandeep Singh Bedi inspected coastal areas where relief operations are underway. More than 300 houses along the stretch from Marina beach to Besant Nagar have been damaged.— Aloysius Xavier Lopez

10:41 a.m.

Chief Minister Stalin visits Kottivakkam, distributes relief to affected persons

Chief Minister M. K. Stalin visited a fisherfolk settlement in Kottivakkam, East Coast Road on December 10, 2022, along with Ministers Ma. Subramanian and K. N. Nehru. He distributed food and bread to cyclone Mandous affected persons.

Chief Minister M. K. Stalin visited a fisherfolk settlement in Kottivakkam, East Coast Road on December 10, 2022, along with Ministers Ma. Subramanian and K. N. Nehru. He distributed food and bread to cyclone Mandous affected persons. | Photo Credit: M. Karunakaran

10:17 a.m.

Rail underpass near Perambur waterlogged

 The small rail underpass at Mettupalayam near Perambur is waterlogged due to the heavy rains caused by Cyclone Mandous on December 10, 2022.

 The small rail underpass at Mettupalayam near Perambur is waterlogged due to the heavy rains caused by Cyclone Mandous on December 10, 2022. | Photo Credit: The Hindu

10:09 a.m.

Rainfall data as of Saturday on 5.30 a.m.

According to IMD data till 5.30 a.m. on Saturday, Kattupakkam, Kancheepuram received a very heavy rains of 16 cm. Those in Chennai Nungambakkam recorded 11.1 cm, Hindustan University 11 cm and Meenambakkam- 11.5 cm.

Many other automated weather stations and rain gauges too received intense rains. They include Madhavaram- 8.7 cm; Puzhal, Tiruttani, Poonamallee- 10 cm each; Villivakkam- 6.2 cm; Kancheepuram ACS College- 9.7 cm; Kancheepuram Sathyabama University- 7.2 cm; YMCA Nandanam- 8.3 cm;MRC Nagar- 6.2cm and NIOT Pallikaranai- 7.2 cm.

9:32 a.m.
Seized vehicles damaged in waterlogged stretches in Ambattur on December 10, 2022.

Seized vehicles damaged in waterlogged stretches in Ambattur on December 10, 2022. | Photo Credit: M. Vedhan

9:24 a.m.

No major water stagnation in the North region

The Greater Chennai Corporation said that at present there was no major water stagnation in the north region comprising Tiruvottiyur, Manali, Madhavaram, Tondiarpet and Royapuram zones.

So far 78 small and medium trees has fallen. 103 branches, 3 street light pole, 1 traffic signal damaged.

8:46 a.m.
A huge tree fell on Renganathan avenue in Kelly’s Road in Kilpauk due to heavy wind caused by ‘Mandous’ cyclonic storm on December 10, 2022.

A huge tree fell on Renganathan avenue in Kelly’s Road in Kilpauk due to heavy wind caused by ‘Mandous’ cyclonic storm on December 10, 2022. | Photo Credit: S.R.  Raghunathan

7:51 a.m.

Fallen tree being cleared for traffic at South Phase Road, Ambattur

7:20 a.m.
Tree uprooted due to ‘Mandous’ cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal at Palkalai Nagar near Palavakkam Beach ECR on December 10, 2022.

Tree uprooted due to ‘Mandous’ cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal at Palkalai Nagar near Palavakkam Beach ECR on December 10, 2022. | Photo Credit: M. Karunakaran

4:48 a.m.

Cyclone Mandous completes landfall process

Cyclone Mandous rear sector has moved into land and landfall process has completed. It is very likely to move nearly west northwestwards and gradually weaken into a deep depression during next 2 hours and into a depression by noon of 10th december.

3:49 a.m.

Landfall process nearing completion: IMD

1:30 a.m.

Cyclone Mandous crossed northwest of Mamallapuram and lay centred

Cyclonic storm Mandous crossed coast close to Mamallapuram and lay centred at 1.30 a.m. today, northwest of Mamallapuram about 30 km south-southwest of Chennai. Rear sector of the cyclone is moving towards land and hence the landfall process will be completed in the next one hour: IMD

12:45 a.m.

Cyclone Mandous about 10 km southeast of Mamallapuram and 50 km southeast of Chennai

Cyclonic storm Mandous is about 10 km southeast of Mamallapuram and about 50 km southeast of Chennai. The centre of the cyclone has started crossing the coast and is moving at a speed of 12 kmph. The entire landfall process will be over in two hours. Gusty winds with a speed of 70 kmph was recorded in Nungambakkam and it has so far received nearly 11 cm of rains since 8.30 am. Strong surface winds blowing at a speed of 50 kmph in few other places of Chennai. By every passing hour, some of the weather stations around Chennai are adding 2 or 3 cm of rains. Kattupakkam in Tiruvallur has received 14.2 cm and Meenambakkam 10.3 cm.

December 10, 2022 | 12:15 a.m.

Nearly 65 trees have fallen down in three hours

According to the Greater Chennai Corporation, Nearly 65 trees have fallen down in 3 hours. The corporation is taking all measures to remove the trees. Motor pumps are used to remove water stagnation in low lying saucer shaped areas.

11:40 p.m.

Traffic not allowed both ways on Kamarajar saalai in Chennai

In view of the Mandous cyclone, Traffic is not allowed bothways on Kamarajar saalai between Gandhi Statue and Napier bridge except for the residents living in this stretch and emergency services vehicles till further notice. Road users are requested to use RK Saalai - Anna Saalai, says the Chennai Traffic Police.

11:30 p.m.

Landfall process may take another two or three hours to be completed: IMD 

Though the spiral bands are entering inland, the centre of cyclone still remains at about 30 km southeast of Mamallapuram. Kattupakkam in Tiruvallur district records 12 cm of rains as of 11.30 p.m. Nungambakkam so far has recorded nearly 10 cm since 8.30 a.m. on Friday. Landfall process may take another two or three hours to be completed: IMD 

10:41 p.m.

Signal post with live wire falls due to heavy rain

Signal post with live wire fell due heavy wind, near Medavakkam Brige, Pallikaranai, in Chennai on Friday.

Signal post with live wire fell due heavy wind, near Medavakkam Brige, Pallikaranai, in Chennai on Friday. | Photo Credit: R. Ravindran

10:15 p.m.

Chennai witnesses heavy rainfall in Meenambakkam and Madhavaram

Chennai has received a heavy rainfall of 9.3 cm between 8.30 am and 9.45 p.m. Meenambakkam 7.7cm; Madhavaram 7.8cm.

10 p.m.

Cyclone Mandous landfall process begins

Outerbands of Cyclone Mandous have reached the coast, and the landfall process has started at 10 p.m. The cyclone is moving at a speed of 14 kmph. Squally winds gusting up to 85 kmph may blow along Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and southern A.P. coast till Saturday morning. Places like Chennai, Tiruvallur , Ranipet have started experiencing strong surface winds of 50 to 60 kmph at 9 p.m., said S. Balachandran, Additional Director-General of Meteorology, Chennai.

9.15 p.m.

Cyclone Mandous about 110 km south-southeast of Chennai

Cyclonic storm Mandous over southwest Bay of Bengal lay centered at 7.30 p.m. IST about 70 km southeast of Mamallapuram and about 110 km south-southeast of Chennai. It’s moving at a speed of 14 km per hour. - Regional Meteorological Centre Chennai

9.00 p.m.

Tiruvannamalai, Kodaikanal, and Sirumalai  schools, colleges closed tomorrow

Holiday declared for schools and colleges in Tiruvannamalai district, and those in Kodaikanal and Sirumalai regions in Dindigul district tomorrow.

8.30 p.m.

Heavy rains in Chennai due to Cyclone Mandous

Chennai rceives heavy rain due to Mandous cylone. Heavy water logging on Dr. Besant Road in Triplicane causes difficulty to vehicular movement in Chennai on December 9, 2022

Chennai rceives heavy rain due to Mandous cylone. Heavy water logging on Dr. Besant Road in Triplicane causes difficulty to vehicular movement in Chennai on December 9, 2022 | Photo Credit: Srinivasan KV

7.34 p.m.

DPH instructs officials to take up preparatory measures ahead of cyclone landfall

In view of Cyclone Mandous, the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has instructed all deputy directors of health services to take preparatory measures.

In a communication, the Director of Public Health told the district officers to review low-lying places in hospitals and shift patients from such places and to ensure uninterrupted power supply to medical institutions, particularly intensive care units, critical care units, newborn intensive care units, operation theatres and cold chain points.

The officers were instructed to monitor and take necessary action to control acute diarrheal diseases (ADD). After the cyclone, they should continuously monitor persons in health facilities and camps for occurrence of syndrome conditions, such as acute febrile illness, ADD, influenza-like illnesses, jaundice and acute encephalitis.

7.27 p.m.

Water released from three major city reservoirs as heavy rain lashes catchment areas

For the second time this northeast monsoon, the Water Resources Department on Friday opened the floodgates of the three major reservoirs on the outskirts of Chennai even as heavy rain lashed the catchment areas.

The department, in coordination with the Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram administrations, opened the floodgates around Friday noon to allow a minimal amount of water to flow out from Chembarambakkam, Red Hills and Poondi reservoirs.

About 100 cusecs of water was discharged from each reservoir as a precautionary measure and in expectation of more inflow.

7.15 p.m.

Update from the Regional Meteorological Centre Chennai

7.05 p.m.

Krishnagiri, Nilgiris, Dharmapuri schools, colleges closed tomorrow

Holiday declared for schools and colleges in Krishnagiri, Nilgiris, and Dharmapuri district tomorrow.

6.35 p.m.

Annamalai Univeristy postpones exam

As per the direction of the district administration, University examinations scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday the 10th December 2022 is postponed and the revised date will be announced later.- The Hindu

6.25 p.m.

Kallakurichi schools, colleges closed tomorrow

Holiday declared for schools and colleges in Kallakurichi district tomorrow

5.40 p.m.

Several flights cancelled at Chennai airport due to cyclone Mandous

Over 15 flights to various destinations, both domestic and international, were cancelled at Chennai airport owing to adverse weather conditions that prevailed in the city because of cyclone Mandous.

According to officials of Airports Authority of India (AAI), domestic flights arriving from and departing to destinations including Thoothukudi, Cuddapah, Bengaluru, Mysore, Madurai, Vijayawada, Mangaluru, Kozhikode, Tiruchi, Hubli and Kannur were cancelled. In the international terminal too, flights which were bound for Abu Dhabhi and Colombo were cancelled.-The Hindu

5.34 p.m.

Cyclone Mandous to cross north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts during Friday midnight and early hours of Saturday: IMD

The cyclonic storm Mandous moved northwestwards with a speed of 14 kmph and lay centered over Southwest Bay of Bengal off north Tamilnadu and Puducherry coasts, about 350 km north of Trincomalee (Sri Lanka), 250 km north-northeast of Jaffna (Sri Lanka), 135 km southeast of Mamallapuram and about 170 km south-southeast of Chennai.

It is very likely to move nearly northwestwards and cross north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts between Puducherry and Sriharikota around Mamallapuram as a cyclonic storm with a maximum wind speed of 65-75 kmph gusting to 85 kmph during Friday midnight and early hours of Saturday : IMD

5.27 p.m.

DoTE, Anna University postpones exams

Directorate of Technical Education has postponed exams scheduled for December 10 to December 17. Meanwhile. Anna University has postponed its end semester exam which was scheduled for tomorrow Revised date to be announced later- The Hindu

5.10 p.m.

12 shelters readied near coastal hamlets in Villupuram district

District Collector D. Mohan checking the quality of food at a Cyclone relief centre at Pillaichavady near Marakkanam in Villupuram district on Friday. Photo: Special Arrangement

District Collector D. Mohan checking the quality of food at a Cyclone relief centre at Pillaichavady near Marakkanam in Villupuram district on Friday. Photo: Special Arrangement

District Collector D. Mohan undertook an inspection of coastal hamlets in Villupuram district to review the preparedness ahead of the landfall of Cyclone Mandous, which is expected to cross north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and the adjoining Andhra Pradesh coasts around Mamallapuram at about midnight on Friday.

Mr. Mohan reiterated an appeal to the public to stay indoors till the cyclone had passed and to follow the instructions issued by the administration.

4.50 p.m.

Bus operations to be stopped on ECR, Mamallapuram, before and after landfall

The Tamil Nadu Transport Department will not be operating buses when Cyclone Mandous makes landfall around Mamallapuram on Friday night.

Trasnport Minister, S.S. Sivasankar, in a press release, has said that all bus operations would be stopped during the cyclone’s crossing the coast —two hours before and after—in and around Mamallapuram and on East Coast Road as part of safety measures. He also directed senior officials the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) and the Villupuram State Transport Corporation to coordinate with the Revenue Department and police officials of Chengalpattu district administration to help safeguard the public from any mishaps- The Hindu

4 p.m.

Holiday declared for educational institutions tomorrow

On account of Cyclone Mandous, holiday has been declared for schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Vellore and Ranipet districts tomorrow (December 10).

3.30 p.m.

Rescue teams on standby at Chennai

Chennai City Police Commissioner Shankar Jiwal interacts with the rescue teams that have displayed their equipment ahead of Cyclone Mandous cyclone, at Rajarathinam stadium, in Chennai on December 9, 2022.

Chennai City Police Commissioner Shankar Jiwal interacts with the rescue teams that have displayed their equipment ahead of Cyclone Mandous cyclone, at Rajarathinam stadium, in Chennai on December 9, 2022. | Photo Credit: R. Ragu

In case of cyclone-related grievances and emergencies, residents of Greater Chennai Corporation may contact the helpline numbers at 044-25619206, 044-25619207, 044-25619208 or 1913.

2 p.m.

Eight houses washed away in Puducherry’s Pillaichavady

Eight houses were washed away after high tides hit the Pillaichavady coast near Puducherry on December 9, 2022, under the impact of Cyclone Mandous which is expected to cross north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh coasts.

Eight houses were washed away after high tides hit the Pillaichavady coast near Puducherry on December 9, 2022, under the impact of Cyclone Mandous which is expected to cross north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh coasts. | Photo Credit: S.S. Kumar

Eight houses were washed away as high tide hit the Pillaichavady coast near Kalapet on Friday morning under the impact of Cyclone Mandous.

Revenue officials said the houses were not inhabited as the families had been allotted houses in the Tsunami quarters.

The houses were in a dilapidated condition due to rampant erosion of the coast, and were unable to withstand the impact of the high tide and the incessant downpour, and therefore, caved in.

The incident triggered panic among the residents who resorted to a road blockade on the East Coast Road, demanding the construction of groynes to prevent sea erosion.

On receiving this information, Kalapet MLA P.M.L. Kalyanasundaram held talks with the agitators but they refused to budge. Traffic was disrupted on the ECR for over an hour due to the protest — S. Prasad

1.15 p.m.

Puducherry braces for Cyclone Mandous

Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy visits Pillayichavadi to assess cyclone preparedness on December 9, 2022

Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy visits Pillayichavadi to assess cyclone preparedness on December 9, 2022 | Photo Credit: S.S. KUMAR

On Friday, Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy visited the beach, Kurussukuppam and Pillayichavadi to assess cyclone preparedness. He advised people not to venture into sea and directed police to keep vigil along the beach.

The Puducherry Tourism Development Corporation has declared holiday for its staff in the water sports division and restaurants run by the entity near beaches and backwaters. 

The administration has set up 238 relief camps and made preparations to provide food for 75,000 people per day in case of any necessity to evacuate people. Branches of trees fell on Bussy Street, Kamaraj Nagar, Saram areas. There were reports of sea water entering the coastal hamlets near Kurussukuppam and Vaithikuppam areas. 

Two teams of National Disaster Response Force have been kept on standby in Puducherry. Another team, has been stationed in Karaikal region to meet any emergency situation arising out of the cyclone — Rajesh B. Nair

12.50 pm

169 relief centres set up in Chennai

A total of 12 trees have been uprooted in Chennai city. As many as 169 relief centres and 882 pumps have been kept ready in Chennai ahead of the landfall of Cyclone Mandous on Friday midnight — Aloysius Xavier Lopez

12.15 p.m.

Water released from Chennai reservoirs

100 cusecs surplus water was released from Chembarambakkam reservoir on December 9, 2022

100 cusecs surplus water was released from Chembarambakkam reservoir on December 9, 2022 | Photo Credit: B. Velankanni Raj

Around noon, 100 cusecs of water were discharged through the floodgates of Chembarambakkam, Red Hills and Poondi reservoirs in Chennai — K. Lakshmi

Release of surplus water from Chembarambakkam reservoir
| Video Credit: B. Velankanni Raj
12 p.m.

Wooden pathway for the differently-abled damaged at Marina beach

The wooden pathway built at a cost of ₹1.14 crore for the differently-abled to access Marina Beach, that was inaugurated only a fortnight ago has been damaged due to high tides along the coasts in Chennai in view of Cyclone Mandous on December 9, 2022.

The wooden pathway built at a cost of ₹1.14 crore for the differently-abled to access Marina Beach, that was inaugurated only a fortnight ago has been damaged due to high tides along the coasts in Chennai in view of Cyclone Mandous on December 9, 2022. | Photo Credit: R. Ragu

The exclusive, permanent pathway built at the Marina beach in Chennai to enable access for persons with disabilities and that was inaugurated less than a fortnight ago (on November 27, 2022), was left damaged due to rough seas in view of approaching Cyclone Mandous.

The ramp, said to be the first-of-its-kind in India, has been built using three types of wood — babool, red meranti and Brazilian timber. The facility, established by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), has been developed with funding from Singara Chennai 2.0 at an estimated cost of ₹1.14 crore.

The 3-metre-wide pathway with a total length of 263 metres leads to a 22-metre-wide deck for the differently-abled persons as well as senior citizens to view the sea.

11.40 am

Fire and Rescue Services from Vellore moves to Chengalpattu

Fire and Rescue Services personnel in Vellore get ready to move to the neighbouring Chengalpattu district along with their equipment, on December 9, 2022, in view of Cyclone Mandous

Fire and Rescue Services personnel in Vellore get ready to move to the neighbouring Chengalpattu district along with their equipment, on December 9, 2022, in view of Cyclone Mandous | Photo Credit: C. VENKATACHALAPATHY

Fire and Rescue Services personnel in Vellore got ready to move to the neighbouring Chengalpattu district along with their equipment, on December 9, 2022, in view of Cyclone Mandous

11 a.m.

Streetlight poles damaged at Chennai

Street light poles fell on ground due to heavy wind in the early hours at Madipakkam in Chennai on December 9, 2022

Street light poles fell on ground due to heavy wind in the early hours at Madipakkam in Chennai on December 9, 2022 | Photo Credit: R. Sivaraman

Gusty winds and intermittent rains lashing Chennai led to streetlight poles falling early on Friday, on a road in Madipakkam, Chennai.

At 5.30 a.m., the residents of 13th street, Kuberan Nagar Extension found that at least four poles had fallen, two of them touching high-tension cables, hanging above. The poles had also become entangled in the cables of telecom/internet service providers.

| Video Credit: R. Sivaraman

S. Chandran, a resident of the street said, “I was shocked to see the poles falling just in front of my house early this morning. I made a call to the toll-free number of the electricity department and later to the Chennai Corporation. The staff of Chennai Corporation came and removed the poles after snapping the power.”

The movement of vehicles and early morning walkers was affected due to the fallen poles, he said — R. Sivaraman

10:45 a.m.

Rough sea at Puducherry

The sea turned rough as huge waves pounded the shores of Puducherry due to cyclone Mandous on December 9, 2022.

The sea turned rough as huge waves pounded the shores of Puducherry due to cyclone Mandous on December 9, 2022. | Photo Credit: S.S. Kumar

10:33 a.m.

The weather warning downgraded to orange and yellow colour codes for Saturday

The weather warning has been downgraded to orange and yellow colour codes for Saturday. Light to moderate rains may occur at most places on Saturday. 

Severe cyclonic storm Mandous is set to weaken into a cyclone, as it heads towards the north Tamil Nadu coast, and makes landfall around Mamallapuram between midnight on Friday and the early hours of Saturday.

10:27 a.m.

Anchored boat capsizes in Ramanathapuram

A mechanised fishing boat anchored in the Mandapam south sea in Ramanathapuram district drifted to the shore and capsized on the night of December 8, 2022, following gusty winds due to cyclone Mandous.

A mechanised fishing boat anchored in the Mandapam south sea in Ramanathapuram district drifted to the shore and capsized on the night of December 8, 2022, following gusty winds due to cyclone Mandous. | Photo Credit: L. Balachandar

9:44 a.m.

Chennai fishermen stay off the seas

With the boats anchored on the shores due to Cyclone Mandous, fishermen got some break to do their routine work like net sorting in Chennai on December 9, 2022.

With the boats anchored on the shores due to Cyclone Mandous, fishermen got some break to do their routine work like net sorting in Chennai on December 9, 2022. | Photo Credit: R. Ragu

9:34 a.m.

Chennai civic body issues precautionary measures, shuts parks, playgrounds

As the ‘Mandous Cyclone’ is likely to become severe and gather more intensity by Friday morning, the Greater Chennai Corporation issued precautionary measures and ordered to close all parks and playgrounds till further notice.

The Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner had a discussion with officials regarding precautionary measures to be taken in view Mandous Cyclone.

Chennai Corporation also asked people not to visit beaches tomorrow and also asked them to park cars in open areas and not under trees.

Meanwhile, all the schools and colleges will be closed on Friday in Puducherry and Karaikal in view of cyclone Mandous, said Education Minister A Namassivayam.—ANI

9:21 a.m.

Residential areas in Chennai inundated

Flooded Street at Royapettah during the heavy rain in Chennai on December 9, 2022 due to cyclone Mandous.

Flooded Street at Royapettah during the heavy rain in Chennai on December 9, 2022 due to cyclone Mandous. | Photo Credit: R. Ragu

9:02 a.m.

Water to be released from reservoirs

Water Resources Department plans to release 100 cusecs from Red Hills reservoir at 12 noon today as a precautionary measure. The department is expecting more inflow from catchment areas due to approaching Cyclone Mandous. At present, the reservoir is receiving an inflow of around 140 cusecs.

About 100 cusecs of water would be released from Chembarambakkam and Poondi reservoirs at noon. Water Resources Department has started releasing 100 cusecs from Porur lake as well since this morning

9 a.m.

Rain lashes Chennai

Heavy rain in Chennai on the morning of December 9, 2022.

Heavy rain in Chennai on the morning of December 9, 2022. | Photo Credit: M. Vedhan

8:57 a.m.

Gusts along Marina beach

People running towards safer places amid high winds due to cyclone Mandous on December 9, 2022.

People running towards safer places amid high winds due to cyclone Mandous on December 9, 2022. | Photo Credit: R. Ragu

8:53 a.m.

Holiday declared for schools and colleges

Dindigul Collector declared holiday for schools and colleges in Sirumalai and Kodaikanal regions. Also, holiday was declared today for Krishnagiri Education district, which includes schools in Kaveripattinam, Mathur, Bargur, and Krishnagiri.

For schools in Theni district and schools and colleges in Karur and Thoothukudi district, holidays were announced.

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