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Storm crosses coast, no loss of life

The 'very severe cyclonic storm' in the Bay of Bengal Wednesday hit the coast between Cuddalore and Pondicherry, uprooting several thousands of trees but caused no loss of life.

Pondicherry Chief Minister P Shanmugham and Tamil Nadu revenue officials said the damage was being assessed and the exact loss would be known only on Thursday.

Cuddalore and its neighbourhood and Pondicherry saw wind speeds reaching nearly 130 kmph, but the damage was 'minimal' as the cyclone did not bring heavy rains when it crossed the coast. There were only intermittent brisk showers. However, strong winds continued to blow.

Forty three fishermen from Cuddalore who put out to sea in 20 catamarans on Sunday were yet to return.

Shanmugham said people in low lying areas had already been removed to safer places. Officials of revenue, fisheries, public works, police and local administration departments were monitoring the situation. Electricity supply had been cut off. Four persons sustained minor injuries in a wall collapse and were treated as out-patients.

Meanwhile, meteorological sources said after hitting the coast, the cyclone had gradually weakened.

Latest satellite pictures and coastal observations indicated rainfall at Tiruvallur, Madras, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur and Pudukkottai districts of north Tamil nadu and Pondicherry during the next 48 hours.

Rainfall will also occur at most places with isolated heavy falls in all the districts of north interior Tamil nadu during the same period.

Gale winds with speed reaching 120 to 150 kmph are likely along coastal areas of Cuddalore, Villupuram, Nagapattinam and Pondicherry during the next 12 hours. Fishermen had been advised not to venture into the sea.

Cuddalore District collector, Sandeep Saxena, told PTI that nearly 20,000 trees had fallen in Neyveli township alone. The Cuddalore and Nagapattinam district administration had declared a holiday for all educational institutions on Thursday.

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