Storm moves closer to coast, landfall tomorrow, TN on high alert
Chennai, Nov 14: The cyclonic storm 'Gaja' over the Bay of Bengal lay at about 470 km south east from here and is set to make landfall between Cuddalore and Pamban on Thursday evening bringing heavy rainfall to Tamil Nadu.
'Gaja' that lay over southwest and adjoining southeast and west central Bay of Bengal is about 550 km north east of Nagapattinam and is very likely to cross coast between Pamban and Cuddalore on Thursday evening or night with a wind speed gusting up to 100 kmph, the Met office here said.
With the Tamil Nadu government already declaring that 30,500 rescue personnel were on standby, the district collectors of Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Pudukottai, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore and Ramanathapuram have declared holiday for schools and colleges on Thursday.
All educational institutions in Puducherry and Karaikal regions would remain closed tomorrow in view of the cyclone.
Against the backdrop of the Central Water Commission advising constant vigil over dams, Tamil Nadu Revenue Minister R B Udayakumar told reporters that dams, lakes and rivers channels were being monitored continuously.
The CWC had advised action as per the Standard Operating Procedure as heavy rainfall in catchment areas could fill up the dams fast in less than 24 hours.
The Minister said mobile operators have assured to move 'Cell on Wheels,' mobile platforms to provide uninterrupted mobile connectivity to Nagapattinam and Cuddalore districts which are likely to witness the cyclone impact during landfall.
The government has also held discussions with oil marketing companies and they have been advised to maintain sufficient fuel stock, he said.
While reiterating caution to fishermen to not venture into the sea, Udayakumar said a comprehensive list of do's and don'ts have been circulated to the people on cyclone eve.
The red column in the Met bulletins only indicate that steps to mitigate possible disaster should be taken by the government which has already been done and people should not panic, he underlined.
The Met office had warned storm surge of about 1.0 metres likely to inundate low-lying areas of Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai and Ramanathapuram districts of Tamil Nadu and Karaikal district of Puducherry at the time of landfall.
The IMD also cautioned about major damage to thatched huts. "Rooftops may blow off," and communication and power lines may be affected it had said adding standing crops could also be hit besides water intrusion in low lying areas. PTI VGN COR
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Eid celebrated across Kerala with prayers, greetings
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Kochi (PTI): Eid al-Fitr was celebrated across Kerala on Friday with religious fervour and community gatherings.
Known locally as Cheriya Perunnal, special prayers were held in mosques, while Eidgahs were organised in cities including Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode and Malappuram.
A large number of faithful from the Muslim community attended the morning prayers and exchanged greetings before returning home to celebrate the festival with family and friends.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Even amid the busy election campaign season, political leaders extended greetings to the public on the occasion.
Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly V D Satheesan, in a Facebook post, said the faithful were celebrating Eid al-Fitr after a period of rigorous fasting and devotion.
“The month of fasting was a time for every believer to attain spiritual and physical purification. Along with self-discipline and inner cleansing, it was also a time to extend help and compassion to fellow human beings. Islam is a faith rooted in kindness, which teaches that those who have must give to those in need—and to practice it in everyday life,” he said.
According to him, sacrifice, love and gratitude are the core messages of Eid al-Fitr, and he extended warm Eid Mubarak wishes to believers across the world.
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had greeted the people of the state on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr on Thursday.
BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, in a Facebook post, extended his wishes.
“On this joyous occasion, I extend my heartfelt Eid greetings to all my Muslim brothers and sisters. May this festival fill everyone’s lives with happiness, peace and prosperity,” he said.
He added that people should come together to build an inclusive society that ensures the growth and well-being of every family.
“Once again, warm Eid wishes to all,” he said.
Education Minister V Sivankutty shared a picture of attending an Eid function on his Facebook page and wrote, “Equality and brotherhood. Warm wishes.”
Muslim League state president Sayyid Sadik Ali Shihab Thangal said the faithful had attained spiritual growth through a month-long period of fasting and devotion.
“Eid is also a celebration of brotherhood and love. This day is observed to ensure prosperity for all,” he said.
Thangal added that zakat, a form of charity, is practised on Eid al-Fitr to ensure that no one goes hungry.
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