Tropical Cyclone Nisha - Nov 2008
Disaster description
Sri Lanka: Due to heavy rains, parts of the Northern districts of Jaffna, Mannar, Trincomalee, Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu were affected by floods. The Tropical Storm was forecasted to be downgraded into a Tropical Depression. (Govt. of Sri Lanka/IASC Sri Lanka, 26 Nov 2008) The Disaster Management Centre reported that over 136,298 persons in five districts in the island were displaced, temporarily sheltered in temples, schools and other public buildings. (Govt. of Sri Lanka, 28 Nov 2008). In December, heavy rains continued to affect Jaffna District. Although in most areas the flood water caused by cyclone Nisha had receded by the beginning of December, some low lying areas were still affected. (IASC Sri Lanka, 18 Dec 2008)
India: The Indian Meteorological Department reported that the cyclonic storm 'NISHA' over southwest Bay of Bengal moved slightly northwestwards and lay centred at 0530 hours IST of 27 November 2008, very close to Tamil Nadu & Puducherry coast to the north of Karaikal. More than 800,000 people were affected and around 100,000 people were evacuated in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. As of 28 November, 54 people had lost their lives, while media reports stated that 89 lives were lost in Tamil Nadu. The release of water from dams, particularly 15,000 cusecs from the Chembarambakkam dam, added to the flood situation in Tamil Nadu. (UNCT India, 28 Nov 2008)
Affected Countries
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