More than 10,000 people have been evacuated from Tamil Nadu coastline.

A cyclone Gaja, a severe category storm hits the state while Tamil Nadu government has deployed over 30,000 rescue teams and has evacuated fishermen from the coastal areas.

Educational institutions in seven districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will remain shut today.

Tamil Nadu Minister R. B. Udhaya Kumar has asked people lying in low-lying ares to move to evacuation centers.

Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy reviewd the preparedness of the state departments as well.

Yesterday, districts like Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram and Thiruvarur are likely to be the most affected by the cyclone.

According to the officials, about 22 people have lost their lives due to the storm.

– Harleen Sandhu