Cyclone ‘Phethai’ Set to hit Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that Tamil Nadu is set to hit by another cyclonic storm and this will be the second storm to strike the state within one month. To recall, last month cyclone Gaja wrecked havoc in southern part of India including Tamil Nadu.  

Around 12 districts of Tamil Nadu were badly affected by the cyclone Gaja. It caused huge damage to property as well as livestock and claimed lives of as many as 46 people.

‘Phethai’ is a tropical cyclonic storm that has started to develop in the Bay of Bengal as a result of which north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh are likely to suffer. The cyclone is alleged to produce surface winds of 120kmph that is sufficient to cause devastation like the Cyclone Gaja.

IMD stated that a well-marked low pressure has been formed above southeast Bay of Bengal. It further added that "It is expected to concentrate into a depression in the next 24 hours, intensifying further into a deep depression in subsequent 24 hours. It is then expected to move towards south Andhra Pradesh and neighboring north Tamil Nadu coasts in the next 72 hours".

The weather department has also issued a warning of ‘heavy to very heavy’ rainfall in south coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh and north Tamil Nadu.

IMD said, "Rainfall at several places with ‘heavy to very heavy’ falls at isolated places is expected on 15^th and 16^th December".

The government has also asked all the deep sea fishing vessels to return back to the nearest port. In addition, the issue of the fishing token has been stopped since Wednesday.