Authorities in southern India evacuated thousands of people from low-lying areas Monday after weather experts issued a cyclone warning. Schools and offices were closed and state authorities were on alert in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh states as Cyclone Vardah neared India's southeastern coast. Police and disaster management teams evacuated more than 15,000 people from low-lying areas, moving them to safer places as heavy rains and strong winds lashed the region. In many places, trees and electrical poles were uprooted by the rain and wind. The meteorological office said the cyclone was expected to make landfall near the city of Chennai later Monday. Fishermen in the two coastal states were warned not to head out, with the seas expected to be rough for the next two days. At Chennai airport, flight operations were suspended temporarily, officials said. Indian navy ships and air force planes were ready to handle any emergencies, said disaster management officials.
