Pakistan suggested the name cyclone 'Vardah'

New Delhi: The name of severe cyclonic storm 'Vardah', which at present lays over the Bay of Bengal, has been given by Pakistan.

'Vardah', which means 'red rose', is expected to hit northern Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh today.

By the time it makes landfall, its intensity is expected to reduce considerably.

Name of cyclones in the Indian Ocean Region are decided by member countries -- India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar, Maldives and Oman. The last cyclone that hit Chennai was 'Nada', a name suggested by Oman.