Cyclone Nivar slams southern coast; three killed

At least three people were killed and over 1,000 tree uprooted after the cyclonic storm Nivar made landfall near Puducherry. The heavy downpour caused by the storm flooded the low-lying areas in the region. Several teams of NDRF have been deployed to evecuate people from effected areas. The relief materials are being distributed by the concerned departments. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami said that around 2.30 lakh people have been accommodated in relief camps in the state. Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted, "We are closely monitoring the situation in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the wake of Cyclone Nivar. Have spoken to CM Shri@EPSTamilNadu and CM Shri @VNarayanasami and assured all possible help from the centre. NDRF teams already on ground to help people in need." The authorities said three people, including a woman, were killed in rain related incidents. Officials said about 1,086 trees were uprooted in Tamil Nadu and almost all of them have been removed.