Facebook enables safety check in India as Cyclone Vardah makes landfall

Facebook has turned on "Safety Check" for its users in India amid Cyclone Vardah making landfall in the southern part of the country.

The southern Indian city of Chennai and surrounding regions were pounded by heavy rain and winds Monday as the Cyclone Vardah made its first landslide in the afternoon. Two people have reportedly lost their lives.

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Facebook enabled "Safety Check" feature this afternoon, allowing people in the affected regions quickly let their family and friends know about their well being. The feature, available on this page, also lets people ask their friends about their status.

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Credit: Screengrab via Facebook

Local authorities evacuated tens of thousands of people Monday as Cyclone Vardah makes westward movement. The Indian Army also began rescue and relief in the city. The cyclone has also impacted transportation systems and power supply.

On the bright side, the cyclone has started showing signs of weakening and could turn into 'colonic storm' in next three to four hours, according to India Meteorological Department.

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