Cyclone Gaja has wreaked havoc in coastal Tamil Nadu and the death toll due to the cyclone has reached 36. As many as 82,000 people were evacuated before the cyclone made landfall between Nagapattinam and Vedaranyam in the state. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted squally weather conditions in the area for the next 24 hours. The cyclonic storm has moved westwards towards interior Tamil Nadu bringing heavy rains to the Tamil-Kerala border region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his condolences for the families of people who lost their lives due to Cyclone Gaja. Modi said that he spoke with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palanswamy to take stock of the situation and assured that officials were working towards providing all possible assistance.
A financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh has been assured by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister CM Palaniswami to the families of the decreased. After a complete assessment of the damages, the state government will approach the Centre for assistance. Meanwhile, DMK leader M K Stalin has appreciated the efforts of the state disaster management team and relief measures taken by the state government.
Cyclone Gaja is the second cyclone to hit the coastal area in a month after Cyclone Titli wreaked havoc in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh on October 11, killing a total of 70 people.
(Featured image: The Indian Express)
