Key Highlights:
Originating over the Bay of Bengal, Cyclone Fengal is expected to make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry, with wind speeds reaching 70-80 km/h and gusts up to 90 km/h.
Impact on Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
As the cyclone drew near, rain accompanied by strong winds knocked out the normalcy of Chennai and various other parts of northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Heavy rain bands from the cyclone started lashing Chennai and its districts at around 3:30 AM on Saturday, bringing intense rainfall.
Normalcy disrupted in Chennai
More than 134 locations in Chennai reported waterlogging, and seven key subways were closed because of heavy rains. Thsuspended operations from 12 PM to 7 PM on account of strong crosswinds caused by the cyclone. Public transport was suspended on East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) until Saturday afternoon.
Government Response and Precautionary Measures
The Tamil Nadu government declared November 30 as a holiday for educational institutions anms to allow the employees to work from home. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin reviewed the situation, confirming the establishment of relief camps and the distribution of food in vulnerable areas.
Impact on Andhra Pradesh
India Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rain or thunder shower over most placeoastal and Rayalaseema regions of Andhra Pradesh. Extensive very heavy rains would occur in the districts of SPSR-Nellore, Tirupati and Chittoor. Isolated places may experience thunderstorm with lightning, which was forewarned due to Cyclone Fengal.
Life-Critical Services and Public Safety
State-run Aavin milk supply was not disturbed, and power supply continued in many areas. Chennices functioned without a glitch, though suburban services between Chennai Beach and Velachery in the MRTS section were suspended. Other EMU train services in all suburban sections in the Chennai division operated with reduced frequency.
Warnings and Advisories
Seven districts were given a red alert by the IMD, that includes Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villhi, Cuddalore, and Puducherry. An orange alert has been issued for Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Karaikal. Fishermen have been cautioned not to venture into the sea.
Conclusion
Cyclone Fengal’s impact has been significant across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and parts of Andhra Pradesh, with heavy rains, sidespread disruptions. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, implementing measures to ensure public safety and restore normalcy as conditions improve.
For Latest News Updates Click Here