Authorities in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are on high alert as Cyclone Fengal approaches the coast, with landfall expected near Puducherry on Saturday afternoon, November 30. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for wind speeds of 70-90 km/h, along with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across coastal Tamil Nadu, southern Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry.
Puducherry Urges Residents to Stay Indoors
In preparation for the storm, Puducherry’s district administration has urged residents to stay indoors, and all schools and colleges in the region have been closed for the day. Emergency helplines, including toll-free numbers 112 and 1077, as well as a WhatsApp helpline at 9488981070, have been activated for public assistance.
Cyclone Preparations Intensify
In Tamil Nadu, authorities have taken significant measures to safeguard residents. A total of 4,153 fishing boats have been brought ashore, and 2,229 relief camps are set up to accommodate evacuees. As of now, 471 people from 164 families have been relocated to relief centers in Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur districts. National and State Disaster Response Forces are deployed to vulnerable areas, including Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore, and Chennai.
Puducherry’s District Collector A. Kulothungan reviewed the preparedness with officials from public works, local administration, and police. Essential equipment, including boats, generators, and motor pumps, are on standby for emergency use.
Heavy Rain and Gusty Winds Hit Tamil Nadu
On the morning of November 30, heavy rain, accompanied by strong winds, lashed northern Tamil Nadu, causing waterlogging in several areas. The rain, which began as intermittent showers on the night of November 29, intensified, affecting normal life, especially in low-lying areas like Madipakkam. Local residents moved their vehicles to higher ground as a precaution.
In Chennai, roads remained largely deserted, with police, fire, and rescue teams stationed at vulnerable locations. Flight operations were slightly affected, and Chennai Metro Rail announced no disruptions to services, though some stations were prone to flooding. Public transport services were reduced, with skeleton operations running in Chennai and surrounding areas.
Police also put up barricades to prevent access to beaches like Marina and Mamallapuram, due to rough seas. However, milk supply and power services remained largely unaffected in most areas.
IMD Issues Red Alert for Southern States
The IMD has predicted that Cyclone Fengal could intensify further before making landfall. Coastal districts such as Karaikal and Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, as well as Puducherry, are expected to experience the strongest impact, with widespread rainfall already affecting some areas.
Dr. S. Balachandran, director of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai, warned of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in coastal and low-lying areas, along with wind speeds reaching 70-90 km/h during landfall.
A red alert has also been issued for parts of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka, where heavy rainfall is expected to continue through December 1.
Fishing Communities on Alert
The Puducherry Fisheries Department has advised fishermen to refrain from venturing into the sea and to secure their boats and equipment on higher ground. Similar advisories have been issued to fishermen in Andhra Pradesh, particularly in districts like Nellore, Tirupati, and Chittoor, which are expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely, urging residents in affected areas to follow safety advisories. Relief and rescue teams remain on standby, ready to respond to any emergencies arising from the cyclone’s landfall.
