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                    Thousands Flee Cyclone in Southern India

   by VOA News

   Tens of thousands of people were evacuated from their homes Wednesday
   as Cyclone Nilam slammed into India's southern coast.

   India's Meteorological Department said Nilam struck the port city of
   Mahabalipuraman, south of Chennai.

   It was expected to move towards Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry over the
   next few hours, bringing heavy rains and winds approaching 100
   kilometers an hour.

   Forecasters say it could bring a storm surge of one to one-and-a-half
   meters to low-lying coastal areas.

   Indian officials are warning fishermen to cease operations and
   encouraging others along the southeastern coast to move inland.

   The weather agency said residents should expect possible minor damage
   to power and communication lines, flooding of escape routes and
   possibly extensive damage to thatched roofs and huts.

   Local authorities have turned hundreds of schools into emergency relief
   centers.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP, and Reuters.
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/thousands-flee-as-cyclone-hits-southern-idea/1536650.html