Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are bracing for Cyclone Fengal, which is expected to make landfall between Karaikal and Mamallapuram near Puducherry this afternoon. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast wind speeds of 70-80 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 90 km/h, along with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several districts.
Cyclone Path and Weather Impact
Cyclone Fengal intensified from a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal on Friday. As of 2:30 PM on November 29, it was located approximately 270 km east-southeast of Puducherry and 300 km southeast of Chennai. The storm is moving west-northwest and is expected to bring severe weather to northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
The IMD has issued a red alert for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Villuppuram, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore districts, as well as Puducherry. An orange alert is in place for districts including Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Perambalur, and others. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is predicted in interior districts as the cyclone moves inland.
Preparations and Safety Measures
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy have chaired emergency meetings to oversee preparations. Over 4,000 fishing boats have returned to shore, and 2,229 relief camps have been set up for potential evacuees. The Tamil Nadu government has advised people to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary.
State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister KKSSR Ramachandran reviewed emergency operations, and the Eastern Naval Command has mobilized its resources for disaster relief, including search and rescue operations and provision of essential supplies.
Current Impact
In Chennai, high tides and gusty winds have already been reported, with the city experiencing heavy rainfall. Schools and colleges in Chennai, Chengalpattu, and Cuddalore have been closed for today and Saturday. In Nagapattinam district, heavy rains have damaged paddy crops across 800 acres.
Government and Public Response
Chief Minister Stalin assured the public of the government’s readiness to manage the storm’s impact and urged people to take precautions. Relief materials such as food, drinking water, and medicines are being distributed, and specialized Flood Relief Teams have been deployed to vulnerable areas.
Recent Cyclone History
Cyclone Fengal is the second storm of the post-monsoon season to affect the Indian coast, following Cyclone Dana, which struck Odisha as a severe cyclone in late October.
As Cyclone Fengal approaches, authorities remain on high alert, with all measures in place to minimize damage and ensure public safety.
Sources By Agencies