Cyclone Fengal Set to Make Landfall, States on Standby

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as Cyclone Fengal approaches the region. The storm, currently brewing over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall on Saturday afternoon near Puducherry, bringing heavy rainfall and winds reaching speeds of up to 90 km/h. In light of the situation, schools and colleges in several districts have been shut, and public services have been temporarily halted.

Districts on High Alert

The IMD has forecast very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villuppuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, and Puducherry on Saturday. Additionally, isolated heavy rains are expected in Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Karaikal.

The IMD’s latest statement reported that the cyclonic storm was located around 210 km southeast of Chennai as of Friday evening. The storm is expected to cross the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram with wind speeds of 70-80 km/h, gusting to 90 km/h.

Flight Operations Disrupted

In response to adverse weather conditions, IndiGo Airlines has suspended all arrivals and departures at Chennai Airport. “Flight operations will resume once the weather improves, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew,” the airport authority announced. Travelers have been advised to stay updated through their respective airlines.

The Tamil Nadu government has temporarily closed key coastal roads, including East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), to mitigate risks posed by the storm. IT companies have also been advised to allow employees to work from home on November 30 to reduce commuter movement during the storm’s peak hours.

Fishermen Warned, Relief Camps Set Up

Authorities have issued warnings to fishermen and coastal residents, urging them to remain cautious. Rough sea conditions, heavy rainfall, and strong winds are anticipated in areas around Karaikal and Puducherry. The Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management Department has established 2,229 relief camps across the state to provide shelter and support to those affected.

SSP Puducherry, Kalaivanan, stated that police personnel have been deployed along the beaches over the past four days to ensure safety. Beaches in Puducherry have been closed, and nearly 300 personnel are on duty. Coordination with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is also underway.

So far, 471 individuals from 164 families have been evacuated to relief camps in Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts. Essential equipment, such as motor pumps, generators, and boats, has been deployed in vulnerable regions, including Chennai, Cuddalore, and Mayiladuthurai, to address potential flooding and other emergencies.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as Cyclone Fengal approaches the coastline, urging residents to stay alert and follow official advisories.