Cyclonic storm 'Gaja' likely to cross Tamil Nadu coast on Thursday evening

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday said that the 'severe cyclonic storm' 'GAJA' is very likely to cross Tamil Nadu coast between Pamban and Cuddalore, around Nagapattinam in the evening today.

"It is very likely to move west-southwestwards and cross Tamil Nadu coast between Pamban and Cuddalore, around Nagapattinam during late evening of today, the 15th November, 2018 as a Cyclonic Storm with a wind speed of 80-90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph," the IMD said.

Sharing details of the cyclonic storm's location as of Thursday afternoon, IMD said, "The Cyclonic storm 'GAJA' over Southwest Bay of Bengal moved further west-southwestwards with a speed of 17 kmph during past six hours, intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and lay centred at 0830 hrs IST of 15th November, 2018 over Southwest Bay of Bengal near latitude 11.3°N and longitude 82.6°E, about 320 km east-southeast of Chennai (Tamil Nadu) and 300 km east-northeast of Nagapattinam (Tamil Nadu)."

Informinf about the weather condition, K. Nagaratnam, Scientist 'D', Meteorological department, Hyderabad said that due to the cyclonic storm, there would be a bad weather condition over South Tamil Nadu. He further said that heavy to very heavy rainfalls is likely to occur at many places including Pamban, Kallur, Nagapatnam, Tiruvallur and adjoining districts. North Tamil Nadu may also receive moderate rainfall.

Nagaratnam added that few districts of Andhra Pradesh are also likely to be affected by strong wind. "In next 24 hours, during the crossing of cyclone, few districts in Andhra Pradesh like Nellore, Chittoor and Prakasam are likely to be affected by strong wind and light to moderate rains. One or two places will receive heavy rainfall," he said.

Earlier in the day, Cuddalore Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) MC Sambath held a review meeting with Collector V. Anbuselvan and Disaster Managment Incharge Gagandeep Singh Bedi along with rescue teams in Cuddalore.

The state administration has formed as many as 19 interdepartmental zonal teams for rescue and relief operations, comprising officers from key departments of police, fire, Public Works Department, electricity department, etc.

The Indian Navy has also sent its ship to the coastal region to help the rescue teams.