Cyclone Gaja makes landfall in Tamil Nadu, claims more than 11 lives

The cyclone is expected to weaken gradually into a cyclonic storm

Cyclone Gaja made landfall in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu around 1.40 am on Friday, and is expected to weaken gradually into a cyclonic storm. The cyclone has claimed over 11 lives, uprooted trees in several regions. Roads and power connections were cut in many parts of Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, and Thanjavur districts.

According to Government sources, wind speed was around 111 km per hour. Nagapatinam and Tiruvarur districts were the worst hit. Nearly 12,000 electricity post fell and around 81,948 people are living across 421 shelters, says National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

The Tamil Nadu government has put its machinery