A cyclonic storm 'Mandous’ originated in the Bay of Bengal likely to convert into a low-pressure area before making landfall on December 9 near Chennai city.

The Indian Metrological Department has issued a red alert for heavy rains and high wind on December 9 -10 in the coastal districts over north Tamilnadu, Rayalseema and south Andhra Pradesh. Sri Lankan Met department too has issued heavy rainfall above 100 mm and strong wind 50-60 kmph alert on 8-9 December across the province and Trincomalee district. 

Tamilnadu and Puducherry Government geared up with the relief and preparedness mechanism and evacuation of people from the coastal areas with support of National Disaster Response force.

Tamilnadu’s disaster management team set up 5000 relief camps across the state to relocate people from low lying areas. Within Chennai City only, 169 relief centres opened with 807 water pumps in flood prone areas. Around 238 relief centres opened in Puducherry, food packets to 75,000 people would be distributed in Puducherry.