2 killed as cyclone hits coast in south India

At least two people were killed and over thousands evacuated Monday in two southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, as Cyclone Vardah lashed their coastal areas, officials said.

The deaths were reported from Tamil Nadu.

Reports said strong winds and rain lashed Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, uprooting trees and shattering glass panes in buildings.

The cyclone made landfall with heavy rain and wind speed of about 130 kmph.

Schools and businesses were shut as roads were flooded at several places. The airport services were suspended. Around 50 flights were delayed or diverted to and from Chennai this morning and train services were suspended.

The Meteorological department asked people to stay indoors and urged fishermen not to venture inside sea.

Authorities have issued an alert and put teams of army and National Disaster Relief Force, along with two naval ships on standby, besides setting up relief centres.

Reports said over 7,000 people have been evacuated from near the sea north of Chennai and another 9,000 were evacuated in Andhra Pradesh.

Meteorological department officials have classified Vardah as a very severe cyclonic storm that will bring heavy coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry. Endit