COLOMBO (News 1st) – The cyclonic storm ‘Gaja’ crossed between the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast with a wind speed of about 120 km per hour.

The Met Department has warned the coastal communities to refrain from faring out to sea from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai and Mannar to Puttalam.

Several districts in the northern province were affected by the heavy rains and strong winds as a result of the cyclonic storm.

Some areas in Jaffna are left without electricity after power lines were damaged by the strong winds.

Meanwhile, the Met Department issuing a RED ALERT today said the Northern parts of the country, as well as Puttlam and Trincomalee, will experience strong winds and heavy rainfall as a result.

• Newsline with Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe: What next for Sri Lanka’s economy?
• The Gamini Fonseka Studio – Stein Studios honours legend
• Suspect connected to the cutting off an electrician’s hands in Moratuwa, arrested
• Water Cut for Colombo & suburbs tomorrow (25)
• BASL wants IGP to ensure Saliya Pieris’s safety