(FASTNEWS|COLOMBO) – The severe cyclonic storm ‘Gaja’ crossed the Tamil Nadu coast between Nagapattinam and nearby Vedaranniyam on Friday with wind speed gusting up to 120 kmph.
The severe cyclonic storm is likely to move nearly westwards and weaken gradually into a cyclonic storm during the next three hours, the latest bulletin released by IMD stated.
According to PTI, 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.
The weather department earlier recommended complete suspension of fishing operations along the coasts of north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining Andhra Pradesh.
The government has also announced helpline numbers 1070 (state-level) and 1077 (districts) for those who may need assistance.
