Nagai worst hit as Cyclone 'Gaja' crosses coast, claims 8 lives

The severe cyclonic storm 'Gaja' over southwest Bay of Bengal moved further west-southwestwards and crossed Tamilnadu and Puducherry coasts between Nagapattinam and Vedaranyam early on Friday morning, leaving behind a trail of havoc and destruction, even as eight people were killed in rain related incidents across the State.

Met office sources said the 'Gaja' crossed the coast with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph and gusting to 120 kmph between 0030 to 0230 hours today.

It now lay centred over coastal Tamilnadu about 15 km west-northwest of Vedaranyam.

''It is very likely to move nearly westwards and weaken gradually into a cyclonic storm during next six hours'', the met office said, adding, though the center of cyclone lies over land, rear sector of eye wall was still over sea.

It will take about an hour to move over land, the sources said.

While crossing the coast with gusty winds, the cyclonic storm left behind massive destruction, with maximum damage being caused in Nagapattinam district, which bore the brunt of the cyclone fury.

Two other districts, Thanjavur and Tiruvarur were also worst affected, causing extensive damages.