Chennai: The severe cyclonic storm Gaja made a landfall passing between Nagapattinam and Vedaranyam, close to Vedaranyam along the coast of Tamil Nadu around 1.15 am on Friday, according to Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph, reaching up to 120 kmph.

Till now 76,290 people have been evacuated from the region subsequent to cyclone landfall. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected to occur today at a few places in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.  A red warning issued for both states. Extremely heavy rainfall is expected to take place at Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Tuticorin and Ramanathapuram, South Coastal Andhra Pradesh.

One person has been reported dead in Cuddalore but State authorities yet to confirm.

The Tamil Nadu government is trying to evaluate the situation on and the extent of the smash up. State disaster management officials are on the field trying to recognize areas where assistance is required. There have been no reports of casualties till now but the cyclone has caused very big damage to crops and property. Nagapattinam and Vedaranyam are the worst affected regions. Interior districts are receiving heavy rainfall.

The state government has declared a holiday for schools and colleges in 11 districts .It has also advised people not to venture out.