A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is set to intensify into Cyclone Fengal, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh. Schools are shut in several districts, while Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin has initiated preparedness measures to ensure public safety amid rough seas and flooding risks.
The weather system, currently located around 670 km southeast of Chennai, is advancing toward Tamil Nadu. In an early morning update, the IMD reported that the deep depression was centred approximately 190 km southeast of Trincomalee (Sri Lanka), 580 km south-southeast of Puducherry, and 670 km south-southeast of Chennai.
As a precaution, authorities in Tamil Nadu declared a holiday for schools and colleges in Trichy, Ramanathapuram, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Thiruvallur districts.
The IMD has predicted heavy to extremely heavy rainfall along the eastern coast, accompanied by strong winds ranging from 45–55 km/h with gusts reaching up to 65 km/h. Coastal areas are likely to experience rough seas, which could lead to flooding in low-lying regions and disrupt marine activities.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin held a high-level meeting with District Magistrates of Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, and Cuddalore to oversee preparedness efforts. Stalin instructed officials to prioritise the evacuation of residents from vulnerable areas and ensure safety measures were in place.
Stay tuned to CNBC-TV18’s live blog for updates as Cyclone Fengal develops and its impact unfolds across the eastern coast.
