Cyclone Asani: Flights Cancelled In Vizag & Chennai, Heavy Rains Lash Andhra | Latest Updates

Cyclone Asani Updates: Authorities have suspended all flight operations at Visakhapatnam Airport, while ten flights from the Chennai airport were cancelled due to the heavy downpour.

Authorities have advised people of north coastal Andhra to be on high alert. (Image: PTI)

Cyclone Asani Updates: The severe cyclonic storm Asani over west-central and adjoining south-west Bay of Bengal has neared the east coast, packing gale-force winds up to 105 kmph, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Tuesday. Heavy to very heavy rainfall has been predicted in various parts of north coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. 

Rains accompanied by gusty winds have already started lashing out many parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh as the cyclone in Bay of Bengal moves closer to the coast. 

Here Are 10 Latest Updates On Cyclone Asani:

1. The coastal city of Visakhapatnam was receiving heavy spells of rain with gusty winds disrupting normal life and blocking the traffic. Several districts in Andhra Pradesh including Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, Konaseema, West Godavari, Krishna, Bapatla, Guntur, Nellore and Tirupati were experiencing light to moderate rains under the impact of the severe cyclonic storm. 

2. Authorities have suspended all flight operations at Visakhapatnam Airport as a precautionary measure. Even the Visakhapatnam port has suspended operations as Asani is likely to reach the port city later today.

3. According to reports, heavy rainfall was reported even in various parts of Chennai and its suburbs as Asani is expected to touch the shores on Wednesday. Ten flights from the Chennai airport were cancelled, including to from Jaipur, Visakhapatnam, Mumbai and Hyderabad, due to the heavy downpour.

4. Areas such as Koyambedu, Anna Nagar, Choolaimedu and Nungambakkam in Chennai reported heavy rainfall and the suburbs of the city like Alandur, Madipakkam, Poonamalle, Maduravoyal and Meenambakkam are recording steady downpur. Pammal area near the airport is also receiving heavy rains.

5. The weather department has forecasted thunderstorms with light to moderate rains at Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Chennai, Puducherry and other northern parts of Tamil Nadu in the next few hours. Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard has already deployed 'ICGS Shaurya' and 'ICGS Sagar' for any contingency, including rescue operations post-landfall of Cyclone Asani.

6. In the coastal city of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, all the flights in and out were cancelled on Tuesday in view of the severe cyclonic storm.  According to reports, authorities suspended air services to and from Visakhapatnam Airport as a precautionary measure.

7. IndiGo has announced cancellation of all its flights in and out of Visakhapatnam. AirAsia has cancelled Delhi-Visakhapatnam and Bangalore-Visakhapatnam flights, news agency IANS reported. Air India has also cancelled Mumbai-Raipur-Visakhapatnam and Delhi-Visakhapatnam flights.

8. Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been put of standby to conduct rescue operations and relief works in Andhra Pradesh. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has asked people to remain alert in view of the forecast of heavy rains in the coastal regions.  

9. According to IMD, the cyclonic storm lay centered at about 300 km southeast of Kakinada and 330 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. It is very likely that Asani may move nearly northwestwards till Tuesday night and reach west-central Bay of Bengal off North Andhra Pradesh coast and adjoining Odisha coast.

10. The severe cyclone is likely to weaken gradually into a cyclonic storm during the next 24 hours. Authorities have advised people of north coastal Andhra to be on high alert. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea till Thursday.