Cyclone Vardah: Dos and dont's for the affected during a cyclone

New Delhi: Heavy rains coupled with squally winds today lashed the northern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, as very severe cyclonic storm 'Vardah' was expected to make landfall this afternoon. Vardah lay 220 kilometre east-northeast of Chennai and 290 kilometre east-southeast of Nellore, the Meteorological office said. Heavy rains lashed Chennai, Tiruvallore and Kancheepuram districts since early morning even as squally winds were witnessed in these districts. Here is a list of dos and dont's during a cyclone:

• People are urged not to go outside until officially advised safe. People in low-lying areas should move to safer zones.
• People are advised to be on guard against being misled by rumors.
• Those housed in relief shelters should not leave the premises until directed to do so by the rescue personnel.
• People should not leave safer places during a lull.
• Children should not be allowed to go out during the cyclone.
• None should touch loose or dangling wires from lamp posts.
• People are also advised to stay indoors and get away from low lying beaches or other locations which may be swept by high tides.
• Fishermen are not to venture into the sea for the next 24 hours.
• People should try to get information from TV and radio on the cyclone.
• Also, everyone is advised to keep a stock of dry fruits and keep their mobile phones charged.

Necessary steps taken by government: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam held a meeting of the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority which also asked the armed forces to be on standby. The Tamil Nadu government declared holiday for educational institutions in Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur, besides coastal taluks of Villupuram. "They should take necessary steps for ensuring the safety of their students especially hostel inmates and their water and food requirements," an official release, detailing the discussions the Chief Minister had with his senior officials including Chief Secretary B Ramamohana Rao, said. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation through a teleconference with Collectors and top officials this evening. He directed them to be alert and undertake necessary rescue and relief efforts in view of the cyclone threat. Food and other essential commodities should be kept ready in adequate quantities, he said. "Take all steps to prevent loss of lives and to minimise damages to crops and properties," Naidu told the officials. Tamil Nadu Government also asked private establishments and undertakings in these districts besides coastal taluks to Villupuram to allow their staff avail holiday or work from home. Panneerselvam gave instructions for appointment of senior IAS officers as monitoring officers for these districts to oversee and monitor cyclone related works in coordination with the District Collectors, the release said. "Arrangements to be made for evacuating people in low lying and vulnerable areas. Relief centres to be kept in readiness along with necessary food, water and other arrangements. Army, Navy, Air-force and Coast Guard have been alerted to be on standby for deployment as and when necessary," it said. (With inputs from PTI)