New Delhi : More than 10,000 people were rescued and sheltered by the National Disaster Response Force in nearly 300 relief camps after very severe cyclonic storm Vardah, the most intense to have hit the Tamil Nadu capital in two decades made a landfall. The cyclone flattened homes, snapped communication lines and threw into disarray rail, road and air traffic as it crossed the coast near the Tamil Nadu capital, pounding Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram with heavy rain and squall. The National Disaster Management Authority said that a total of 10,432 people were rescued by 19 NDRF teams in different parts of Tamil Nadu as the severe cyclone hit the state.
As many as 296 relief camps were set up of which 97 have become become operational, the NDMA said in a statement. Altogether 11,857 food packets were also distributed by the NDRF. As many as 297 roads were blocked in Tamil Nadu after the cyclones landfall of which 89 were cleared so far. A total of 3,384 trees were fallen and 30 electric Transformers were also damaged. The NDMA said the cyclone will slow down by midnight and weaken by tomorrow . However, it asked people in cyclone-hit areas to remain indoors and not to venture out besides remaining calm.Cyclone helpline numbers are - 044-25619206, 25619511, 25384965, 25383694. WhatsApp number - 9445477207, 9445477203.
One NDRF team comprises of 35 personnel. PTI
