New Delhi, Apr 29 (UNI) The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Coast Guard have been put on high alert as the Cyclone ‘Fani’ was located at 880 KMs South East of Chennai early on Monday and it is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday, Union Home Ministry said here.
“The storm will continue to move North West and change its path to North East from May1 and the fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea and asking those at sea to return to coast”, Home Ministry officials said here on Monday.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) the landfall of Cyclone Fani over Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh is ruled out. However, the possibility of landfall in Odisha is under continuous watch.
“Prime Minister himself is closely monitoring the situation and has directed Cabinet Secretary to convene the Meeting of National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) to take stock of the situation with State Governments and Central Ministries and Agencies concerned and ensure that all preparations to deal with any situation are in place”, MHA official said.

Both NDRF and ICG have been put on high alert and placed at the disposal of State Government Authorities to deal with situation, the official added.
Regular warnings have been issued since April 25 to the fishermen and people living in coastal villages.
IMD has been issuing three hourly bulletins with latest forecast to all the concerned States. The Home Ministry is in continuous touch with the State Governments and the Central Agencies concerned and closely monitoring the situation, officials said.
UNI AKS/ VT 1431