TN on high alert, braces to face Gaja's fury

Cyclone ‘Gaja’, expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by today, is likely to make a landfall between Nagapattinam and Chennai on November 15 (Thursday).

“It is very likely to move west-southwestwards and intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm and maintain its intensity during the subsequent 24 hours. Thereafter, while moving west-southwestwards, it is likely to weaken gradually and cross during the forenoon of November 15,”said S Balachandran, the Deputy Director General of Meteorology.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in several districts including Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Karaikal, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Villupuram besides the Union Territory of Puducherry. The met department has forecast gusty winds with a speed of 80-90 kmph to blow in these districts on November 15.

An advisory has been issued to the fishermen not to venture into west central Bay of Bengal between November 13-15.

A storm surge of about 1 metre in height above the astronomical tide is very likely to inundate low-lying areas in Nagapattinam, Cuddalore districts of Tamil Nadu and Karaikal district of Puducherry at the time of landfall.

While the sky condition is likely to be generally cloudy in Chennai, light rain is expected in some areas. Maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be around 31 and 25 degrees Celsius respectively.

Fishermen of Nagai, Cuddalore alerted

The Fisheries Department has advised the fishermen from Nagapattinam, Cuddalore and Karaikal districts to stay on shore due to rough weather conditions.

According to Joint Director (Fisheries) R Amal Xavier, the department has alerted the fishermen to stay on shore from Monday. The department officials have been camping in the coastal areas and providing real-time warning, he said.

Messages have been passed on to those who have already gone for fishing, asking them to return to the shore immediately.

On Monday, the cautionary signal no 2 was hoisted in all the coastal districts. Sources said rough weather was seen at the Palayaru harbour in Nagapattinam, but the condition was normal at Vedaranyam and Kodiayakarai.

The cautionary signal no 2 was hoisted at the Pamban harbour in Ramanathapuram district. Around 350 mechanised boats remain anchored in the harbour since Sunday.

Helpline numbers forTiruvallur district

Tiruvallur District Collector R Maheshwari said over 900 volunteers have been given training to be first responders. Two cyclone shelters have been kept ready at Vairavan Kuppam and Kattupalli in Ponneri.

Public were advised to call toll-free number 1077 for any assistance and send complaints through WhatsApp to 9444317863, a official release stated.