Image courtesy of twitter.com/Ahmedshabbir20. Nearly 35 people have been killed so far as a result of Cyclone Gaja that has left the south eastern coast of India devastated. 82,000 people have been evacuated so far in Tamil Nadu. The weather is expected to be the same for the next 24 hours. The cyclone is now moving towards the interior regions of the state towards the Tamil Nadu-Kerala region.
So far, due to the storm, 1,27,448 trees have been uprooted, crops, electric lines and other infrastructure has been destroyed. Efforts are on o bring back fishermen stranded at sea. The most affected districts are Thanjavur, Cuddalore and Pudukottai, The Indian Express has reported.
ANI quoted the Health Secretary of Tamil Nadu as saying, “There has been large-scale damage to houses, power infrastructure, crops, boats and trees in Nagapattinam. We have mobilised a lot of mobile and static camps and chlorination is being done. More than 200 doctors and paramedical staff are working.”
The Indian Navy has joined the state government and the NDRF in rescue operations. Relief materials have been sent to Karaikal in two naval ships. The Rameswaram-Dhanushkodi road has also been reopened.
Chief Minister E Palaniswami has announced an aid of Rs 10 lakh for the kin of the deceased.
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