The storm’s arrival has prompted the closure of schools and colleges in several areas, along with the suspension of public services. The IMD has warned of very heavy to extremely heavy rain on Saturday in districts such as Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villuppuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, and Puducherry. It has also predicted heavy to very heavy rain in isolated areas, including Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Karaikal.
In a statement, the IMD outlined the storm’s expected path: “Cyclonic Storm ‘Fengal’ is situated over the Southwest Bay of Bengal near latitude 11.8°N and longitude 81.7°E, approximately 210 km southeast of Chennai. It is expected to move west-northwestward and cross the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, near Puducherry, as a cyclonic storm with wind speeds of 70-80 km/h, gusting up to 90 km/h, during the afternoon of November 30.”
Meanwhile, in preparation for the storm, Chennai Airport authorities announced that all IndiGo flight operations have been suspended due to adverse weather conditions. “IndiGo Airlines has temporarily halted all arrival and departure flights at Chennai Airport. Flights will resume when weather conditions improve, prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew. We advise passengers to check with their airlines for live updates,” a statement read.
VIDEO | Tamil Nadu: Chennai Airport temporarily closed until 5 pm as heavy rains, gusty winds continue in the region ahead of Cyclone Fengal landfall.
Cyclone Fengal is likely to cross between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram coasts close to Puducherry, later in the evening today.… pic.twitter.com/Ymt3z0JTfa
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 30, 2024
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Cyclone Fengal: Pondy govt issues heavy rain alert to residents via SMS
Coastal Roads Closed and IT Employees Urged to Work From Home
The Tamil Nadu government has ordered the suspension of public transport on major coastal roads, including the East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), during the afternoon of November 30. This measure aims to mitigate the risks posed by the storm’s strong winds and heavy rainfall. Additionally, IT companies in the state have been instructed to allow employees to work from home to reduce commuting during the storm’s peak impact.
Cyclone Fengal, which intensified into a cyclonic storm on November 29, is forecast to land between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, near Puducherry, around midday, according to the IMD.
Meanwhile, Authorities have issued advisories for fishermen and residents to stay alert as the storm approaches, warning of rough sea conditions, high winds, and heavy rain, particularly in coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. In response, the Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management Department has set up 2,229 relief camps across the state to shelter those in need during the storm’s landfall. Puducherry has also made similar preparations.
SSP Puducherry, Kalaivanan, stated, “We’ve been deploying police personnel along the beach for the last four days. Additionally, we’ve informed fishermen and residents in low-lying areas to remain cautious. Fishermen have been advised to stay out of the sea, and all beaches were closed last night. We have deployed nearly 300 personnel across all beaches and are coordinating with the NDRF.”
As of now, 471 individuals from 164 families have been accommodated in relief camps in the Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts. Local authorities have also mobilized essential resources, such as motor pumps, generators, and boats, to assist affected areas, including Chennai, Cuddalore, and Mayiladuthurai.
