Cyclone Gaja: Likely to intensify in north Tamil Nadu, south Andhra in next 24 hours

According to reports, by regional weather office in Chennai on Sunday, a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm and is likely to cross the North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh coast between Cuddalore and Sriharikota on November 15.

In a bulletin isued by the organisation at about 4 pm read that the Cyclone, ‘Gaja’, which lay around 860 km northeast of Chennai and moving at a speed of 12 kmph is likely to intensify into a ‘severe cyclonic storm’ within the next 24 hours.

Gales could reach 80-90 kms per hour is likely to hover over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh.

Speaking to reporters, S Balachandran- Area Cyclone Warning Centre Director said, coastal areas of north Tamil Nadu would experience moderate rainfall and heavy rainfall in isolated places from the night of November 14.

He further notified, “On November 15, many places will receive moderate rainfall and isolated places will get heavy rainfall.”

S Balachandran also warned fishermen not to venture into the sea from November 12 and those already in deep sea have been asked to return.

However, the Indian meteorological department said that cyclone Gaja is likely to weaken gradually while crossing towards north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts as a ‘cyclonic storm’ during forenoon of November 15.

While listing out measures taken to face cyclone Gaja, K Satyagopal- Revenue Administration Commissioner told reporters in Tirunelveli that medical teams were on stand by in all districts.

Also read: Union Minister Ananth Kumar passes away at 59