Puducherry: Around 3,000 people were affected by cyclonic storm ‘Gaja’ in the Karaikal region of the Union Territory, said Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy, on Friday.
Those were affected were evacuated and accommodated in relief camps, said the Chief Minister, before leaving to Karaikal to assess the situation along with revenue minister, MOHF Shajahan, and health minister, Malladi Krishna Rao.
“Karaikal region was badly affected. A number of trees were uprooted and power supply interrupted due to the storm where wind speed touched 100 kmph. Restoration works are underway. Several roads were also damaged,” he added.
“The fishermen community were the worst affected and many lost their livelihood. The collector has been asked to submit a report detailing the damages,” said the Chief Minister.
Agriculture minister, R Kamalakannan, is camping in Karaikal to coordinate the relief works.
Regarding Puducherry, Chief Minister Narayanasamy said that the Union Territory was not much affected, excepting for a few uprooted trees. A woman was injured in a wall collapse.
PWD minister, A Namasivayam, on Friday said that heavy damages due to the storm was avoided due to precautionary measures already taken by the government, well in advance.
Talking to newspersons after meeting PWD officials, the minister said that a 30-member Tangedco team was deputed to Karaikal to ensure that power was restored at least later in the day, and all roads cleared for traffic by evening.
“The government is taking all possible measures to bring normalcy in Karaikal region,” said Namasivayam.
