Cyclone Fengal Hits Puducherry: Red Alert, Heavy Rain

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that Cyclone Fengal, a severe weather system over the Bay of Bengal, will make landfall near Puducherry on Saturday, November 30, 2024. The storm is expected to bring winds of 70-80 kmph, gusting up to 90 kmph, as it crosses the northern Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast.

Red Alert and Heavy Rainfall Predictions

Cyclone Fengal, initially a slow-moving system, gained strength over time, defying the typical lifespan of 4.4 days for a weather system in the northeast monsoon season. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has forecast that the storm will travel west-northwestwards before making landfall near Puducherry this afternoon.

The RMC has issued a red alert for seven coastal districts, warning of isolated extremely heavy rainfall. Districts such as Chennai, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Villupuram, and Puducherry are expected to bear the brunt of the storm. Neighboring regions will also experience intense rainfall, leading to potential flooding and waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Precautionary Measures

• School and College Closures: Educational institutions in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts are closed today to prevent travel-related risks.
• Work-from-Home Directives: IT companies in affected regions are urged to allow employees to work remotely to ensure safety and continuity.
• Transport Suspension: Public transport services on the East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) are temporarily suspended this afternoon as a preventive measure against high winds and potential flooding.
• Evacuation Efforts: Emergency response teams are on standby, and residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to evacuate to safer locations or cyclone shelters.

Cyclone Preparedness in Coastal Tamil Nadu

The IMD has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea as high waves and storm surges are anticipated. Power outages are expected in some areas, and residents have been advised to stock up on essentials, including food, water, and emergency supplies.

Local authorities are coordinating with disaster management teams to ensure prompt response to any emergency. Rescue and relief operations are ready to be deployed as the storm progresses.

Cyclones during the northeast monsoon are not uncommon for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with the Bay of Bengal being a hotspot for severe weather systems. However, Cyclone Fengal stands out for its prolonged duration and intensity.

Post-landfall, the cyclone is expected to weaken gradually as it moves inland. Authorities will assess the damage and initiate relief and rehabilitation measures promptly.

The public is advised to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow updates from official channels. Emergency helplines and relief centres are operational to assist those in need.

Cyclone Fengal serves as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictable power, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and community resilience in the face of extreme weather events.

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