Severe cyclonic storm 'Gaja', which crossed Tamil Nadu's coast early on Friday, has claimed 20 lives. The winds due to the cyclonic storm resulted in hundreds of trees and electricity poles being uprooted in Nagapattinam and Karaikal districts. Other districts like Cuddalore and Puthukottai also bore the brunt of the cyclone.
'Gaja' crossed the coast between Nagapattinam and nearby Vedaranyam, bringing with it heavy rain, and causing severe damage to communication and power infrastructure, mainly in Nagapattinam district. Speaking to reporters at Salem, Chief Minister K Palaniswami said the relief work will be taken up on a war-footing and that the work was already underway. He said the families of the deceased will be provided a solatium of Rs 10,00,000. Over 80,000 people were evacuated from low-lying areas.
Meanwhile, the Centre assured the Tamil Nadu government of all assistance to deal with the situation. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh also directed Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba to monitor the situation in Tamil Nadu and provide all help to the state administration. An official release in Chennai said a "detailed report" will be sent to the Centre on the damage caused by the storm. In a rare gesture, DMK President M K Stalin lauded the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority for its efforts to tackle the cyclone.
