Tamil Nadu on standby: Gaja set to strike

A cyclonic storm named ‘Gaja’ is set to hit Tamil Nadu, bringing the entire city to a standstill. Its landfall today, has put Puducherry & Tamil Nadu on high alert. Laying over the southwest, and adjoining southeast and west central Bay of Bengal, Gaja is likely to cross Pamban and Cuddalore, by today evening or night.

Bringing heavy precipitation, the cyclone has managed to put the city on a halt, as schools and offices are likely to remain closed officially. The district collectors of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Pudukottai, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore and Ramanathapuram, have also announced shutting of schools and colleges until further safety instructions are specified. All educational institutions in Puducherry and Karaikal regions will also remain closed today.

People have been alerted about the impending cyclone, by the government. For security purposes, the government has already stocked 30,500 personnel for rescue and aid.

Authorities have taken appropriate measures for disaster management, and mitigation. The government has also released an official helpline that people can contact for assistance. (Toll-free at 1070, 1077 or 1031). Nearly 249 shelters have been managed for the seekers, and 135 special teams consisting of total 633 members, have been positioned, in case of any calamity.

Tamil Nadu’s Revenue Minister, RB Udayakumar is ensuring, continuous monitoring of dams, lakes and rivers channels. The mobile operators have also assured to move ‘Cell on Wheels,’ mobile platforms to provide uninterrupted connectivity to Nagapattinam and Cuddalore districts, which are likely to witness the cyclone impact the most, during landfall.