Cyclone Senyar scare looms over South India; schools to remain shut

NEW DELHI: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that the low-pressure area forming in the Bay of Bengal is strengthening. The Meteorological Department also warned that it is likely to develop into a cyclone by November 23, with the effect likely to be witnessed in the Andaman Islands.

"A low-pressure area was formed over the Malacca Strait and adjoining the south Andaman Sea on November 22 due to the influence of a cyclonic circulation in the central parts of the Malacca Strait. It is likely to move west-northwestwards and strengthen into a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal by November 24. It is likely to continue moving west-northwestwards and strengthen further over the southwest Bay of Bengal during the next 48 hours," the Meteorological Department said.

The IMD also indicated that a low-pressure area is likely to form over Comorin, the southwest Bay of Bengal and Sri Lanka by November 25.

The meteorological department said that if the depression forming in the Bay of Bengal intensifies and turns into a cyclone, it will be named 'Senyar'. The name, which means lion, is a contribution from the UAE. According to the IMD criteria, a depression is officially named only when it turns into a cyclone.

The cyclone is expected to reach the coastal terrain of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh by the 26th of this month. The administration in Chennai and various other districts of Tamil Nadu has already announced a holiday for schools in the wake of Senyar. Heavy rains are also likely in Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai districts and Karaikal area.

Fishing is advised against in the Andaman Sea and the southwest Bay of Bengal till November 25 due to the possibility of strong winds and rough seas. The warning for the southeast Bay of Bengal has been extended till November 28.