Impact Assessment Study of Cyclone Vardah on Chennai, On East Coast of Tamil Nadu, India

This study presents an overview of the Vardah cyclone and its impact assessment along the coastal districts of northern Tamil Nadu. The cyclone formed over south-east Bay of Bengal and crossed north of Tamil Nadu near Chennai on December 12, 2016, with a wind speed of about 100 to 110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph. The severe cyclonic storm Vardah caused significant damages along the coast of Chennai, Kanchipuram, and Thiruvalluvar districts. It brought severe damages to buildings and uprooted almost 75% trees. This study revealed various damages to buildings and properties during the cyclone through a field study, which is supported by published secondary data. Further, the article explores the causes of damages and remedial measures to avoid those in future cyclones.