Cyclone Gaja Set to Cross the Tamil Nadu Coast

The cyclonic storm ‘Gaja’ is set to make landfall in Tamil Nadu today. It is expected to hit the coast near Nagapattinam in southern Tamil Nadu tonight. According to the meteorological department, the cyclonic storm that lay over southwest and adjoining southeast and west central Bay of Bengal is about 480 km northeast of Nagapattinam and is very likely to cross the coast between Pamban and Cuddalore today with a wind speed gusting up to 100 kmph.

Cyclone Gaja Set to Cross the Tamil Nadu Coast

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Schools and colleges in five districts in the state and Puducherry are closed today. As it approaches the coast, “Gaja”, which means elephant in Sanskrit, is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds in coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The Navy has been put on high alert to be ready for any assistance. Fishermen in the region have been advised not to venture out to the sea.

Cyclone Gaja Set to Cross the Tamil Nadu Coast

The state government has also taken necessary measures to tackle Cyclone Gaja. The National Disaster Response Force has placed eight teams in coastal areas. Over 30,500 rescue personnel have been placed on standby; the district collectors of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Pudukottai, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore and Ramanathapuram have declared holiday for schools and colleges.

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The National Disaster Management Authority has issued safety precautions to handle the effects of the cyclone.

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