Centre promises support to Tamil Nadu to tackle cyclone Gaja

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said all assistance would be provided to the people of Tamil Nadu affected by cyclone Gaja.

Modi spoke to Chief Minister K Palaniswami and learnt about various matters relating to the cyclone, including the damage caused by it and the post-cyclone measures that are to be taken, an official release said.

The prime minister also "assured (Palaniswami) that the Central government is ready to extend all assistance to people affected by the cyclone," it said.

The severe cyclonic storm crossed the Tamil Nadu coast early Friday between Nagapattinam and Vedaranyam, leaving behind a trail of destruction besides claiming 13 lives. Other districts like Pudukottai, Thanjavur and Cuddalore also bore the brunt of the cyclone.