Cyclone storm Gaja to cross between Pamban and Cuddalore on Nov 15

The cyclonic storm Gaja over the Bay of Bengal is expected to cross Tamil Nadu coast between Pamban and Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu on November 15, said the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

IMD's Tuesday update stated that the cyclonic storm over west central and adjoining east-central and south Bay of Bengal moved westwards with a speed of five kmph during past six hours.

At 5.30 am on Tuesday, Gaja lay centred over Westcentral and adjoining Eastcentral and South Bay of Bengal near latitude 13.2 degree N and longitude 87.2 degrees E, about 750 km east of Chennai (Tamil Nadu) and 840 km east-northeast of Nagappattinam (Tamil Nadu).

“It is very likely to intensify further into a Severe Cyclonic Storm during next 24 hours and maintain the intensity during subsequent 24 hours. It is likely to move west-southwestwards,” IMD said.

While moving west-southwestwards, Gaja is likely to weaken gradually on November 15 and cross Tamil Nadu coast between Pamban and Cuddalore as a Cyclonic Storm on November 15, the weather bulletin said.

The weather department has advised total suspension of fishing operations along and off north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts between November 13-15.