Severe cyclonic storm Nivar is likely to cross the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Wednesday, ANI reported, citing the India Meteorological Department. As many as 30 teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been deputed for rescue operations as the region braces for heavy rain and high-speed winds, according to PTI.

“Cyclone Nivar is very likely to cross Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram around Puducherry during 25th November 2020 evening as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph [kilometres per hour] gusting to 120 kmph,” the weather department said.

The Puducherry government imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code from Tuesday night to Thursday morning, The Hindu reported. Chief Minister V Narayanasamy reviewed the arrangements to handle the storm and said that all departments were on high-alert, ANI reported.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he had spoken to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palaniswami and Narayanasamy and assured them of help from the Centre. “I pray for the safety and well-being of those living in the affected areas,” Modi added.

The cyclone is also likely to affect the coast of Andhra Pradesh. An unidentified NDRF official told PTI that 12 teams have been pre-deployed for rescue work, while 18 were on standby.

The weather department issued a red alert in Tamil Nadu and directed the authorities to prepare for very heavy rain in Thanjavur, Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur districts, The Hindu reported. Parts of Cuddalore, Perambalur, Villupuram and Tiruvannamalai are also likely to receive heavy rain. Parts of Chennai were hit by rain on Tuesday.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palaniswami held a meeting with officials on Monday to go over the measures to handle the impact of the storm, according to the newspaper. He directed the officials to move people living in low-lying areas to relief camps and ensure that coronavirus-related safety norms are followed there. Palaniswami also instructed civic bodies to be equipped with lorries, tree-removal machines and other tools, specifically in districts that lie in the cyclone’s path.

Tamil Nadu Disaster Response Force, meanwhile, will deploy police and home guard personnel at coastal area, The Times of India reported. Fire services personnel have also been on standby.

IMD Senior Scientist RK Jenamani told ANI that the cyclone, currently situated 50 km South West of Chennai, was now moving in the North-West direction. “The prediction is that it [the storm] is likely to move towards Tamil Nadu coast and cross close to Puducherry at around 5 pm tomorrow [Wednesday],” he said. “It will intensify further.”

IMD Chennai Deputy Director S Balachandran, meanwhile, said that rain in Tamil Nadu was likely to continue till Friday.