Cyclone Gaja Hits Tamil Nadu; At Least 2 Dead, Thousands Evacuated
Over 76,000 people have been evacuated in parts of Tamil Nadu as Cyclone Gaja made landfall along the coast.
Video Editor: Purnendu Pritam
At least two people were killed and over 76,000 others were evacuated in parts of Tamil Nadu as cyclone Gaja made a landfall early on Friday, 16 November, morning.
The severe cyclonic storm crossed the Tamil Nadu coast between Nagapattinam and nearby Vedaranniyam early on Friday, with wind speeds gusting up to 120 kmph, a weather bulletin said.
According to the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority, as many as 76,290 people were evacuated from low lying areas and sheltered at over 300 relief centres in six districts, including Nagapattinam, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram and Tiruvarur.
Educational institutions have been closed for a day in Nagapattinam.
An India Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletin said:
Gaja is very likely to move westwards and gradually weaken into a cyclonic storm during the next six hours, the IMD said.
During the cyclone's landfall, rains lashed Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, and Thanjavur, uprooting trees in several regions. Electricity supply was disconnected in several coastal regions after landfall.
Four National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in Nagapattinam district, while two teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in Cuddalore district, officials said on Thursday, 15 November.
The state disaster management authority had released an animated video aimed at creating awareness on the do's and don'ts during the cyclone.
The government has announced helpline numbers 1070 (state-level) and 1077 (districts) for those who may need assistance.
(With inputs from PTI)
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