‘Gaja’ wreaks havoc in T.N.-Cyclonic storm kills at least 13 in seven districts 81,000 people take shelter in 471 relief camps Another low pressure area may form

Highlights:

• At least 13 persons died and public infrastructure and private properties in seven districts were damaged as Cyclone Gaja wreaked havoc in Tamil Nadu.
• The severe cyclonic storm that made a midnight landfall near Vedaranyam in Nagapattinam district left a trail of destruction over seven hours with wind speeds as high as 110 kmph.
• The cyclonic system also led to the shifting of over 81,000 people in Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram and Tiruchi districts to 471 relief camps, left 28 livestock dead and felled over 5,000 trees and about 13,000 electric poles across the State.

Transport hit

• Life was hit severely in these districts as the supply of electricity and essentials was disrupted and transport was affected.
• But government agencies began relief operations on a war footing to restore normalcy in a few hours.
• Meanwhile, another low pressure area is likely to form over the central parts of the South Bay of Bengal which may move southwestwards by November 19.

The Hindu