76,000 evacuated, 12 dead as Cyclone Gaja hits Tamil Nadu coast

Nagapattinam: Tamil Nadu was on high alert on November 15 as they prepared to deal with the cyclonic storm, which was expected to cross the state’s coast between Pamban and Cuddalore in the early hours of November 16. As Cyclone Gaja hit the region of Nagapattinam, the district's railway station faced severe damages and all the train services were cancelled. The Nagapattinam railway station's roof was destroyed early today morning due to the storm. 12 deaths have been reported and further information of the deceased are awaited. According to the India Meteorological Department, the storm has weakened to 80-90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph near Atirampatinnam, Tamil Nadu.