Indian authorities were on alert Monday as a cyclone over the Bay of Bengal moved towards the country's south-eastern coast, officials said. 
Cyclone Vardah, which was tracked 150 kilometres east of the city of Chennai, was likely to reach the coastlines of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh states on Monday, a forecast from the Indian Meteorological Department said. 
Schools, colleges and offices were closed in Chennai and coastal areas. Fishermen were warned not to venture out on the sea. 
Rail and flight services in Chennai were affected by heavy rain and strong winds that lashed the city and other coastal areas of Tamil Nadu. Around 25 incoming flights, including those from international destinations, were diverted to the nearby airports due to strong winds and poor visibility, airport officials said. 
Nearly 25 outbound flights were delayed, officials said, adding that there was no inundation of the runway despite heavy rains. An emergency management team was on standby to meet any eventuality, they said.

Source: QNA