As Cyclone Fengal makes its presence felt across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the storm has now weakened into a deep depression following its landfall on the evening of November 30, 2024. The cyclone has brought with it heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, leading to significant disruptions in daily life and emergency evacuations.
Key Highlights of Cyclone Fengal
1. Landfall and Current Status
Cyclone Fengal made landfall near Puducherry around 7:15 PM IST on Saturday. The storm has been reported to be stationary for several hours, causing prolonged adverse weather conditions in the region. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone is expected to weaken gradually over the next few hours as it continues to move west-southwestward.
2. Heavy Rainfall Forecast
The IMD has issued warnings for heavy rainfall across several districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, and Puducherry. Residents are advised to remain vigilant as the region braces for continued downpours.
3. Transportation Disruptions
The impact of Cyclone Fengal has led to significant disruptions in transportation:
- Chennai Airport was closed until 4 AM on December 1 due to adverse weather conditions, affecting hundreds of flights.
- Train services have also been severely impacted, with many trains canceled or diverted due to waterlogged tracks in various areas.
4. Emergency Evacuations
In response to the cyclone’s impact, the Indian Army successfully evacuated over 100 individuals from Puducherry early this morning. The evacuation operations began at 6:15 AM as safety measures were implemented for those in vulnerable areas.
5. Fatalities Reported
Tragically, at least three people have been electrocuted in Chennai due to rain-related incidents. Authorities are investigating these incidents while urging residents to exercise caution during the storm.
Weather Conditions and Warnings
- The IMD has indicated that wind speeds associated with Cyclone Fengal have reached between 70-80 km/h, with gusts up to 90 km/h.
- A red alert has been issued for several coastal districts, warning residents of potential flooding and hazardous conditions.
- Coastal areas are experiencing high tides and rough seas, prompting authorities to advise fishermen against venturing out into the water.
Public Safety Measures
Local authorities are working diligently to ensure public safety:
- Schools and colleges in affected districts have been closed.
- Emergency services are on high alert, with disaster response teams deployed to assist with rescue operations and provide necessary supplies.
- Residents are encouraged to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.
Conclusion
As Cyclone Fengal continues its path across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, authorities remain focused on ensuring public safety and managing the aftermath of the storm. With heavy rainfall expected to persist, residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and adhere to safety guidelines.
Disclaimer: This article provides real-time updates based on available information as of December 1, 2024, and may be subject to change as new developments occur.
