Cyclone Vardah claims 18 lives, wreaks destruction in India's Tamil Nadu

At least 18 people were killed and over thousands evacuated in southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu as Cyclone Vardah leaves a trail of destruction, local media quoting officials said Tuesday.

Chennai and Tiruvallur districts reported five casualties each, four persons were killed in Kancheepuram district, one each in Villupuram and Nagapattinam districts, and two in Tiruvannamali district, officials told local media.

The cyclone damaged houses, snapped power, communication lines, disrupted rail, road and air traffic.

According to NDMA around 12,000 people were evacuated to safer places and sheltered in about 300 relief camps, as Vardah hit Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram districts with heavy rain and strong winds.

Authorities have ordered closure of schools and colleges in the affected areas for the second straight day on Tuesday.

Public transport (buses, suburban trains and aeroplanes) that came to a standstill on Monday in Chennai have been restored on Tuesday.

The squall damaged several transmitters and uprooted electricity poles and trees.

Vardah has affected two southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh on Monday triggering high speed winds and rain.

The cyclone made landfall with heavy rain and wind speed up to 140 kmph.

India's official broadcaster - All India Radio (AIR) Tuesday said ten fishermen were reported to be missing off Andhra Pradesh coast in Kakinada.

The Coast Guard has deployed ship for search and rescue operation. So far no loss of life or major damage to property has been reported from Andhra Pradesh, however, heavy rain lashed Chittoor and SPS Nellore districts.

Meteorological department officials have classified Vardah as a very severe cyclonic storm and predicted it would bring heavy rains in coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry. Endit