The Indian Army on Wednesday said that its task force is ready to combat the impact of cyclonic storm ‘Nivar’ and will assist the administration in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, ANI reported. 

“Army ready to assist govt & civil administration in Tamil Nadu & Puducherry to face Cyclone Nivar, maintaining communication with officials. Twelve humanitarian assistance & disaster relief teams & two engineer task forces ready for deployment,” Army’s Southern Command said.

Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu’s Additional Chief Secretary Atulya Mishra told ANI that the state government is ensuring that COVID-19 protocols are being followed in the relief camps. 

“In relief camps, we need to ensure COVID19 protocols are followed & masks, sanitisers are available. There’s an inventory of 27 items per person which we keep ready, this also includes dignity kit for women,” Mishra said.

Also read: Cyclone Nivar: Tamil Nadu CM declares public holiday on Wednesday

Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanaswamy also visited Kanakachettikulam area near Kalapet to review preparations ahead of the expected landfall due to the cyclone. He has assured help to the people living in the low-lying areas and assured to provide with food, water, hand sanitisers & face masks.

Also read: How severely can Cyclone ‘Nivar’ damage Tamil Nadu

Meanwhile, NDRF has deployed 12 teams in Tamil Nadu, two in Puducherry, one in Karaikal, one in Nellore, one in Chittoor and eight teams ‘pre-positioned’ in Vizag, making up a total of 22 teams on-ground as well as 8 teams on standby for relief work.

Nivar is going to be the second cyclone in the north Indian ocean region within a week and the second severe cyclone of the year, after Amphan, a super-cyclone, hit West Bengal earlier in May this year.