Cyclone Gaja: Indian Navy pressed into action for relief ops

In the wake of Cyclone Gaja, two Indian Navy ships - Chetlat and Cheriam- have been diverted to Karaikal in Puducherry to render assistance to state authorities as required for disaster relief operations.

Three Indian Navy ships, namely Darshak, Carnicobar, and Coradivh, are on standby at Chennai, while INS Ranvir and Khanjar are at Vizag to augment relief efforts at short notice, noted an official release from the Navy.

One helicopter sortie was flown from INS Parundu to assess the effect of Gaja damages in and around Ramanathapuram.

The Indian Navy has also positioned a Dornier Detachment at Arakkonam to facilitate damage assessment and any other assistance that may be needed.

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E. Palaniswami regarding the situation in the state and assured all possible help on behalf of the Centre.

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister confirmed that 11 people have lost their lives after the landfall of cyclone Gaja. He also announced that the government will provide Rs 10 lakh to the kin of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh to those injured severely and Rs 25,000 to people who have suffered minor injuries.

Cyclone Gaja crossed Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast between Nagapattinam and Vedaranniyam on Thursday evening and unleashed mayhem in several districts of the state including Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, and Thanjavur.