New Delhi: At least 11 people have been reported dead as severe cyclonic storm 'Gaja' crossed near Tamil Nadu on Friday. The Tamil Nadu government announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the victims.
As the cyclone hit land, the coastal towns including Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Thondi and Pamban in Tamil Nadu and Karaikkal in Puducherry received moderate rainfall.
According to 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. Due to Cyclone Gaja, a holiday has been declared for educational institutions in Nagapattinam.
Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Thiruvarur districts are receiving rainfall. The weather office predicted rainfall at most places, with heavy to very heavy at a few places in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Extremely heavy rain measuring about 20 cm is expected in Cuddalore, Nagappattinam, Karaikal, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Tuticorin and Ramanathapuram districts, the weather office said.
Here are the updates on Cyclone Gaja:
Nov 16, 2018 21:11 (IST)
Spoke to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru Edappadi K. Palaniswami regarding the situation arising due to cyclone conditions in the state. Assured all possible help from the Centre. I pray for the safety and well-being of the people of Tamil Nadu, PM Moi tweeted.
Nov 16, 2018 18:53 (IST)
According to the state power utility, about 500 km of power supply lines were affected by Gaja. Officials said it would take at least two days to restore power supply in Tamil Nadu's Nagapattinam and Thiruvarur districts.
Nov 16, 2018 17:22 (IST)
Odisha government has set up more than 470 relief camps and had evacuated more than 80,000 people from their homes in vulnerable areas.
Nov 16, 2018 16:55 (IST)
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has spoken to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami. Assured all possible assistance from the Centre in mitigating the situation arising due to cyclone. Asked the Home Secretary to monitor the situation and provide all help to the state administration, he tweeted.
Nov 16, 2018 15:05 (IST)
About 82,000 people living in low-lying areas were sent to 471 relief centres, the Chief Minister said, adding that the preventive measures helped keep the death toll low.
Nov 16, 2018 14:08 (IST)
Nagapattinam district has been heavily damaged by Gaja Cyclone. In total, 471 relief camps have been established in which 81,948 people are staying. We"ll seek assistance from the central government after assessment is done by our officials in the affected areas: Tamil Nadu CM E Palaniswami
Nov 16, 2018 13:25 (IST)
Spoke to Chief Minister K Palaniswami regarding the situation in the cyclone affected areas of Tamil Nadu. Assured all possible assistance from the centre in mitigating the situation arising due to cyclone. Asked the home secretary to monitor the situation and provide all help to the state administration: Home Minister Rajnath Singh
Nov 16, 2018 12:56 (IST)
11 people are reported dead in cyclone-related incidents, CM Palaniswami informed.
Nov 16, 2018 11:49 (IST)
Edappadi K Palaniswami announces Rs 10 lakh compensation for those who have been killed in cyclone-related incidents.
Nov 16, 2018 11:13 (IST)
Cuddalore district has been moderately affected. Due to the moderate rainfall and winds, there are many instances of trees falling down. Since administration was on alert nothing major has happened: Gagandeep Singh Bedi, In-charge for Disaster Management
Nov 16, 2018 11:12 (IST)
People who have lost their lives in the cyclone will be given ex-gratia by the state government: State Minister MC Sampath
Nov 16, 2018 10:41 (IST)
10,500 people have been evacuated in Cuddalore.
Nov 16, 2018 10:39 (IST)
A person died due to electrocution, another due to wall collapse and the third due to tree fall.
Nov 16, 2018 10:30 (IST)
3 people have died in cyclone-related incidents in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu.
Nov 16, 2018 10:00 (IST)
Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority said those in the relief centres went up to 81,948 in 471 relief centres.
Nov 16, 2018 09:33 (IST)
Cyclone Gaja lay centered over Tamil Nadu, about 95 km west of Atirampattinam and 110 km east-northeast of Kodaikanal, a weather bulletin said.
Nov 16, 2018 09:26 (IST)
Cuddalore received 8 cm, Nagapattinam 5 cm and neighbouring Puducherry and Karaikkal 5 cm each up to 5.30 am Friday, the Chennai weather office said.
