TCS, Infy, Wipro issue advisory to staff in US

The domestic IT companies, which get over 60 per cent of their revenues from the US, however, said they do not expect their business to be adversely affected.

"All our associates have been advised to stay safe and stay indoors. Owing to our strong business continuity plan, customer processes are not expected to be disrupted," a TCS spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

Superstorm Sandy, declared "major disaster" by President Barack Obama, today battered the US East Coast with fierce winds and heavy rains, killing at least 16 people, plunging millions into darkness and leaving the New York Stock Exchange shut for two days in a row for the first time since 1888.

"We are closely monitoring the situation in the US East Coast in light of the Hurricane Sandy and working with local authorities to ensure the safety of our employees and their families. We have also activated business continuity procedures in collaboration with customers," a HCL Technologies spokesperson said.

Country's second largest software services company Infosys said it has undertaken requisite precautionary measures for the safety of their employees and "continuity of business for our clients". The company has restricted business travel to the region for the next few days.

Wipro Technologies Global Head Operations Hari Hegde said, "Safety of our employees is our primary concern at the moment. We have asked all employees in affected areas to work from home today as well and comply with guidance issued by local US authorities..."

It has also provided guidelines to emergency management and an International SOS Card that employees can use to call up International SOS in case of any emergency, he added. 

Image: A view of a housing building in Manhattan's East Village hit by blackouts due to a power outage from rising waters

Photograph: Andrew Kelly/Reuters