Cyclone Gaja is set to make landfall between Cuddalore and Pamban on Thursday evening, bringing heavy rainfall to Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry.

The Indian Navy has been put on high alert and is ready to offer necessary humanitarian assistance. "Two Indian Naval ships -- Ranvir and Khanjar -- are standing by to proceed to the most affected areas to undertake humanitarian aid and distress relief," a Navy official said.

In addition, helicopters, Dornier aircraft and one P8I aircraft are on standby to take on reconnaissance, rescue and casualty evacuation.

The India Meteorological Department officials 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.

Early warnings from weather department have made the Tamil Nadu government to put 30,500 rescue personnel on standby. Also, the district collectors of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Pudukottai, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore and Ramanathapuram have declared a holiday for schools and colleges on November 15.

All educational institutions in Puducherry and Karaikal regions are also closed in view of the cyclone.

The MeT 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.

(With PTI inputs)