Twenty-Two Lives Lost As Cyclone Gaja Makes Landfall In TN: Universities Postpone Exams, Coasts Most Affected

Cyclone Gaja made landfall between Nagapattinam and Vedaranyam in the early hours of the day and an estimated 22 people lost their lives due to the storm as reported by The Hindu.

The initial effect of the cyclone was felt in the coastal areas of the district from Nagapattinam to Point Calimere.

The Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority has created a district-level helpline 1077 for people to contact in case of an emergency and the body's State helpline 1070 is also in use.

DMK president M K Stalin, who is also the leader of the Opposition, said in a tweet: “The way the @tnsdma (Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority) took preparatory efforts (to tackle the cyclone) is praiseworthy.”

Keeping in mind the effects of the cyclone storm, Anna University, Pondicherry University and Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN) have cancelled their annual examination. The exams were scheduled to begin from 15 November. CUTN will announce fresh dates soon.

CUTN in a statement announced, “All Faculty and Non-Teaching Staff are hereby to keep maximum vigil over the situation. Chief Wardens and Wardens are instructed to monitor students’ activity in and around and ensure comfortable and secure stay of the students.” as reported by Indian Express.