Chennai: Severe cyclonic storm Gaja broke the backbone of Nagapattinam district. This coastal district took the maximum hit when the storm made landfall last night.
Trees were uprooted and blocked roads, severely hampering traffic.
Also, the strong winds, that reached up to 111 kmph, brought down most electricity poles. The whole district is without power.
According to Electricity Minister Thangamani, 12,000 electricity poles have fallen in Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts.
The electricity department has said it would take two days to restore power in Nagapattinam.
The railway station in Nagai has been shattered in the cyclone. The tin sheet roof has been torn to pieces and the electricity fixtures are dangling precariously. The station floor is a big mess.
Along with 21 other districts, holiday has been declared for schools and colleges in Nagapattinam.