People not to come out from their houses till govt announce cyclone has crossed : Commissioner

Puducherry, Puducherry Development Commissioner Anbarasu on Wednesday advised the people that they should not come out of their houses until they get an announcement from the government that the cyclone has crossed.Talking to news persons after a meeting with rescue team and officers from different departments of the territorial administration, Mr Anbarasu said the Nivar cyclone is expected to cross between midnight tonight and 6 AM on Thursday. Different versions are there that the Cyclone is likely to cross near Puducherry or near Chengalpattu, he said, adding that this could be changed. The speed of the wind will be from 120 kmph to 145 kmph at the time of crossing and people should not come out of their house at this time, he said.The Commissioner said the administration had put up relief camps to house people who are being evacuated from the coastal areas. About 500 of them reached the relief camps and it is expected that 2000 more people would come to the camps. Even people residing in pucca houses near the Coast were advised to move to camps, he added. Mr Anbarasu said that those in the camp would be provided food and will be tested for COVID 19. Masks and sanitizers would be provided to them, he added.He also said that while, all the fishermen from Puducherry who ventured into the sea returned, those in 10 boats from Karaikal are yet to reach the shore. Steps are being taken to get in touch with them and to take shelter in the nearest area to ensure their safety, he said. Government officials are functioning round the clock by coordinating with the departments, he said and sought the cooperation of people.