Severe cyclonic storm 'Gaja', which crossed Tamil Nadu's coast early Friday, has claimed 11 lives, Chief Minister K Palaniswami said.
Severe cyclonic storm 'Gaja', which crossed Tamil Nadu's coast early Friday, has claimed 11 lives, Chief Minister K Palaniswami said.
'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, Palaniswami said relief work will be taken up on a war-footing and that the work was already underway.
"The government has received information that so far 11 persons have died," he said without divulging further information.
He said the families of the deceased will be provided a solatium of Rs 10 lakh each from the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund (CMPRF).
Those with severe injuries will be provided with Rs one lakh each while people who had sustained simple injuries will get Rs 25,000 as relief, he added.
The damage caused by Gaja, including to the fishing sector, was being assessed, he said.
Over 80,000 people were evacuated from low-lying areas as severe cyclonic storm 'Gaja' crossed the coast between Nagapattinam and nearby Vedaranyam early Friday, bringing with it heavy rains in coastal regions.
Gusty 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.
1. View of a damaged car after cyclone Gaja hits Kodaikanal
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Kodaikanal: A view of a damaged car after cyclone Gaja hits Kodaikanal, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. The Centre Friday assured the Tamil Nadu government of all assistance to deal with the situation arising out of the cyclonic storm ''Gaja'', which has so far claimed 11 lives.
Photo Credits: PTI
2. Aftermath of cyclone Gaja is seen in Tamil Nadu
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The aftermath of cyclone Gaja is seen in Tamil Nadu, India November 16, 2018 in this picture obtained from social media.
Photo Credits: Reuters
3. 11 persons have died
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The aftermath of cyclone Gaja is seen in Tamil Nadu, India November 16, 2018 in this picture obtained from social media.
Photo Credits: Reuters
4. Centre assures assistance
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The aftermath of cyclone Gaja is seen in Tamil Nadu, India November 16, 2018 in this picture obtained from social media.
Photo Credits: Reuters
5. Over 80,000 people were evacuated from low-lying areas
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The aftermath of cyclone Gaja is seen in Tamil Nadu, India November 16, 2018 in this picture obtained from social media.
Photo Credits: Reuters
6. Gusty winds due to the cyclonic storm resulted in hundreds of trees and electricity poles being uprooted
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Debris from a damaged roof is pictured on a platform at the train station in Nagapattinam in India's southern Tamil Nadu state on November 16, 2018, after a cyclone struck the region. Powerful winds felled trees, destroyed homes and forced thousands to flee to safety as Cyclone Gaja barrelled into India''s eastern coast November 16.
Photo Credits: AFP
7. Wind speed of 100-110 kilometer per hour gusting up to 120 kmph
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Indian residents clear away fallen trees near the train station in Nagapattinam in India''s southern Tamil Nadu state on November 16, 2018, after a cyclone struck the region. Powerful winds felled trees, destroyed homes and forced thousands to flee to safety as Cyclone Gaja barrelled into India''s eastern coast November 16.
Photo Credits: AFP
