Chennai, Nov 16 (UNI) The Severe Cyclonic Storm 'Gaja, which has caused extensive
damages in Nagapattinam, Thanjavur and Tiruvarur districts while crossing the coast
early on Friday, has so far claimed 23 lives, including 20 in the Central districts of
Tamil Nadu.
Reports received here said while ten people were killed in cyclone and rain-related
incidents in Central districts of Thanjavur, four deaths were reported in Tiruvarur,
three in Pudukkottai, two in Trichy and one in Nagapattinam, two deaths were
reported in Cuddalore and one in Tiruvannamalai.
The toll increased after Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami informed in
Salem that as many as 11 people have died due to the cyclone.
He also said the government will provide Rs.10 lakh to the kin of the deceased.
He also said State ministers are camping in various parts of the cyclone-affected
areas to oversee the relief operations.
He also directed the Electricity, Disaster Management and PWD department
authorities to take up relief and rehabilitation works on a war footing in the
affected districts.
Talking to reporters at Omalur in Salem, Mr Palaniswami said the cyclone,
which was accompanied by gusty winds that touched 110 kmph, has caused
vast destruction and devastation in Tiruvarur, nagapattinam, Pudukkottai,
Ramanathapuram, Thanjavur and Cuddalore districts and has asked the
authorities to estimate the damages caused by the calamity.
Stating that he had received reports of death of 11 people so far in cyclone and
rain-related incidents from districts, he said a solatium of Rs ten lakh each would
be given to the next of kin of those killed, Rs one lakh to those who sustained
serious injuries and Rs 25,000 to those who suffered simple injuries.
He also promised relief to fishermen after examining the damages caused to their
belongings.
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