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India: Situation report Cyclone Nisha - 28 Nov 2008

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OVERALL SITUATION

The Indian Meteorological Department reported that the cyclonic storm 'NISHA' over southwest Bay of Bengal moved slightly northwestwards and lay centred at 0530 hours IST of 27 November 2008, very close to Tamil Nadu & Puducherry coast to the north of Karaikal. By 1730 hrs IST, the deep depression over interior Tamil Nadu moved west-northwestwards, weakened into a depression and lay centred over interior Tamil Nadu about 50 km southeast of Dharampuri. At 0530 hrs IST today, 28November, the depression lay as a well marked low pressure area over north interior Tamil Nadu and adjoining south interior Karnataka & Rayalseema. The system is likely to weaken further.

Under its influence, rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at a few places likely over north Tamil Nadu & Puducherry, south interior Karnataka and Rayalseema during next 24 hours. Rainfall at many places with isolated heavy to very heavy falls is also likely over south coastal Andhra Pradesh and isolated heavy falls over Kerala and south Tamil Nadu during the same period.

Squally winds speed reaching 45-55 kmph are likely along and off Tamil Nadu & Puducherry coasts during next 12 hours. Strong surface winds speed reaching 40-50 kmph occasio nally gusting to 60 kmph is also likely over interior districts of Tamil Nadu during next 12 hours.

Sea condition is very rough to high along and off these coasts. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the open sea during next 12 hours.

Over 800,000 people are affected and around 100,000 people have been evacuated in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. As of this morning, 54 people have lost their lives while media reports say that 89 lives were lost in Tamil Nadu. Roads, buildings and cropped area have been severely damaged. The release of water from dams particularly 15,000 cusecs from the Chembarambakkam dam is adding to the flood situation in Tamil Nadu. Relief camps have been set up in districts and food and cash are being distributed. The PM has sanctioned a team to assess the damage.