Cyclone Fani in Tamil Nadu, Andhra: Precautions and safety measures to follow

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cyclonic storm warning to the states of Tamil Nadu and coastal Andhra Pradesh. IMD had issued a 'red alert' for Tamil Nadu on April 30 and May 1.

"After gaining strength, the cyclonic circulation has finally induced a low-pressure area. The system is formed over Equatorial Indian Ocean and adjoining the southeast Bay of Bengal, it is likely to move northwestwards along and off Sri Lanka coast during subsequent 72 hours and reach near north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coast on April 30," IMD said.

Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are expected to receive heavy rainfall from Sunday and it is always good to take necessary precautions.

Precautions

Indian government's National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) recommends these tips to be followed before the cyclone:

• Check the house; secure loose tiles and carry out repairs of doors and windows
• Remove dead branches or dying trees close to the house; anchor removable objects such as lumber piles, loose tin sheets, loose bricks, garbage cans, sign-boards etc. which can fly in strong winds
• Keep some wooden boards ready so that glass windows can be boarded if needed
• Keep a hurricane lantern filled with kerosene, battery operated torches and enough dry cells
• Demolish condemned buildings
• Keep some extra batteries for transistors
• Keep some dry non-perishable food always ready for use in emergency