Cyclone Fengal, originating from the Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall between Karaikal in Puducherry and Mahabalipuram district of Tamil Nadu by Saturday evening. The Meteorological Department has forecasted winds reaching speeds of up to 90 km/h, accompanied by heavy rainfall in various regions of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
In response to the impending storm, all schools and colleges will be closed on Saturday, and residents are advised to remain indoors. The effects of the cyclone began to manifest on November 28, with rain and strong winds already impacting coastal areas.
This marks the second storm to affect India during the post-monsoon season, following Cyclone Dana, which occurred in late October.
Tamil Nadu is experiencing the most significant impact from the storm. Heavy rains have severely affected paddy crops, with over 800 acres submerged in Nagapattinam district. Other areas such as Kameshwaram, Virudhamavadi, Pudupalli, Vedrappu, Vanmadevi, Vallapallam, Kallimedu, Iravayal, and Chembodi are also feeling the storm’s effects.
While Chennai and its surrounding districts have received light to moderate rainfall, heavy to very heavy rains are anticipated in the state’s interior regions until December 3.
The Eastern Naval Command has activated its disaster response system, mobilizing vehicles loaded with essential relief supplies, including food, drinking water, and medicines. Flood response teams are deployed in vulnerable areas.
The Tamil Nadu government has established two toll-free emergency numbers, 112 and 1077, along with a WhatsApp number, 9488981070, for assistance. Approximately 2,000 relief camps have been prepared, with 471 people from 164 families currently accommodated in six relief centers in Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts.
In light of the weather department’s warnings, around 4,000 boats have returned to shore. All necessary equipment, including boats, generators, motor pumps, and other machinery, are on standby in the affected districts. Private companies have been instructed to allow employees to work from home, and road access near the beach has been restricted. NDRF and SDRF teams have been deployed as needed.
