Vardah is a cyclonic storm which formed in southeast part of Bay of Bengal after developing from a deep depression. It is the fourth major cyclonic storm after Roanu, Kyant and Nada that has its origin in Bay of Bengal. The name ‘Vardha’ which means ‘rose’ in Urdu and Arabic has been suggested by the Pakistan Met department in the nomenclature list for cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.

Vardah Cyclonic Path

The list was prepared by a group of eight countries that came up with nearly 64 names. The cyclone resulted in heavy precipitation over several areas of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast said that the storm is likely to intensify into a severe cyclone. According to a report in Times of India people were worried over the possible storm ever since the low pressure was formed over the Arabian Sea.

Cyclone Vardah Affected Areas

On Dec. 12, a “very severe” cyclonic storm hit Tamil Nadu shores, causing death and destruction in its capital city, Chennai, besides other areas.
10 dead: At least 10 persons died in rain-related incidents in Chennai on Dec. 12. This includes a three-year-old child and four women.
Nearly 20,000 evacuated: The government undertook massive evacuation in low-lying areas and around the shores of Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh where Vardah was initially predicted to make landfall. About 10,000 people have been evacuated from areas near the sea in Tamil Nadu and over 9,400 persons moved to relief camps in Andhra Pradesh.
258 trees: The rain and winds have uprooted at least 258 trees across several places in Chennai
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Vardah-Cyclone