Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed concern about the situation arising due to Cyclone Fani which is approaching coastal Tamil Nadu and Andra Pradesh. He asked officials in the states, which will be affected by the cyclone, to take preventive measures and be prepared to provide all possible assistance to the citizens.
The storm will not make landfall in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh but the possibility of landfall in Odisha is being monitored, said the Met department. The India Meteorological Department on Monday said Cyclone Fani is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday evening and into a "very severe" cyclonic storm within 24 hours.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reportedly monitoring the situation and has directed Cabinet Secretary PK Sinha to convene a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee to ensure that state governments, central ministries and agencies are prepared to deal with the situation.
The weather department is regularly issuing warning since April 25 to fishermen to not to venture into the sea and have asked those at sea to return to coast. The state government has asked district officers and departments to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions. They have been instructed to check all cyclone and flood shelters and communication systems.
Sea conditions are likely to be very rough off the coast of Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh. Fishermen have thus been cautioned against venturing into sea during the rough weather.
Cyclone Fani is likely to bring light to moderate rain across Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh over the next two days.
