Chennai, November 14: Cyclone Gaja intensified into a severe storm on Tuesday following the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Tamil Nadu and the Puducherry coast. Gaja is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm in the next 12 hours, as per IMD’s latest bulletin.  The authorities in parts of Tamil Nadu has been alerted to be ready to meet any eventuality. Reports inform that schools and colleges have been declared a holiday in the district on Thursday.

Reports inform that two Indian Naval ships Ranvir and Khanjar are on standby to proceed to undertake Humanitarian Aid Distress Relief, evacuation, logistic support and medical aid. Ships will be embarked with additional divers, doctors, inflatable rubber boats, integral helicopters and relief material.

According to a tweet by ANI, the Eastern Naval Command is monitoring the developments closely & Flag Officer Commanding TamilNadu & Puducherry Naval Area is in constant communication with State Administration. One P8I aircraft, Dornier aircraft&helicopters are also standing by to undertake rescue ops.

Cyclone 'Gaja' is expected to cross Tamil Nadu coast between Cuddalore and Pamban on November 15 and is believed to make a landfall on the Tamil Nadu coast, as predicted by the Indian Meteorological Department. When Will Cyclone Gaja Make Landfall in Tamil Nadu? Heavy Rainfall and Strong Winds Predicted for Next 24 Hours. 

In the wake of the cyclonic storm, tourist movement to Dhanushkodi has been restricted from 5 PM on Tuesday. District Collector Veera Rao, Ramanathapuram was quoted by ANI saying that no visitor will be allowed to visit Dhanushkodi & as far as Pamban Bridge is concerned. He informed that an appropriate decision will be taken on Thursday taking into account wind speed. Cyclone Gaja to Hit Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh on November 14, Heavy to Very Heavy Rainfall to Lash the Southern States. 

Rao further added saying that, apart from civil administration preparedness, the state government has also sought help from Indian Coast Guard who have all the required equipment to deal with such situations.

Red Alert Issued in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry:

November 15 November 16
Heavy rainfall at most places over Tamil Nadu & Puducherry. Extremely heavy falls at isolated places is also likely over Cuddalore, Nagappattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Tuticorin and Ramanathapuram districts. Rainfall at most places with heavy falls at a few places and very heavy at isolated places very likely over interior Tamil Nadu.

As the cyclone is believed to intensify in the coming days, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry will receive heavy rainfall from the evening of November 14. The rainfall activity is likely to continue till November 16. South Tamil Nadu will also experience heavy rainfall on November 15, and isolated areas to experience rainfall on November 16. The IMD has issued total suspension of fishing operations along and off Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts till November 15.

In the wake of the changing weather conditions, Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy on Wednesday chaired a review meeting and took stock of the preparedness as cyclone Gaja is likely to hit the coastal district tomorrow. Narayanasamy directed the district authorities to keep stock of relief materials and urged officials to ensure supply of protected drinking water to all areas.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 14, 2018 08:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).