Cyclone Vardah: Bengaluru mayor warns of rain, strong winds in city on Tuesday

BBMP mayor and Karnataka revenue secretary for disaster management have also issued advisory in view of this development.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Mayor on Monday warned that Cyclone Vardah, which has wreaked havoc in Chennai and led to the loss of at least four lives, is expected to arrive in Bengaluru on Tuesday and bring lots of rain with it. She and the Karnataka revenue secretary for disaster management have also issued advisory in view of this development.

Rain and high wind speeds

BBMP Mayor G Padmavati, in a Facebook post on Monday, said: "Bengaluru rural and Bengaluru Urban districts are likely experience widespread rainfall coupled with gusty winds (@ 40-50 kmph) from today evening till 14th December. [sic]"

She added: "Strong winds are likely to uproot trees and would endanger life and property.So be cautious while driving your vehicles. Don't park your vehicles under the trees. [sic]" She also said in the post: "We have already informed all our Control Rooms to be active and keep the rescue team/debris clearing team on high alert. [sic]"

Rainfall is also expected in other parts of Karnataka like Kolar, Chikkaballapur and Tumakuru districts, according to the state's revenue secretary for disaster management, who has also warned of winds with speed reaching 40 kmph in many places.

? coupled with squall at 40 km/h is expected. Public are advised not take cover/park under trees @KarnatakaVarthe @BlrCityPolice @BBMPCOMM1
— Revenue Secretary-DM (@SEOC_Karnataka) December 12, 2016

Skymet Weather, a private weather-prediction entity, had said on Sunday that people in Bengaluru could "expect light to moderate rains to begin over many parts of the city by the evening of December 12." It had also said: "It is very likely that the city may be able to surpass its monthly rains during the upcoming rainy spell."

Skymet Weather had also predicted that the intensity of rains will further increase by December 13. "In fact, some areas may also receive short spells of heavy rains. These rains will also result in marginal drop in the temperatures," it said.

Meanwhile, here is some all-important advisory from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on what to do in the aftermath of the cyclone in case it hits your area very hard: