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Cyclone Fengal: Grandfather Uses OLA Scooter to Ferry Grandkids Through Floodwater

December 4, 2024, 1:28 pm

A heartwarming video of a granddad taking his grandchildren along flooded waters in an inflatable boat has made waves all over the internet. According to X user @Chai_Angelic, who shared this video, it has raked up 137.9K views and the comments are mostly positive. A grandfather can be seen tugging the inflatable boat around with his OLA electric scooter through a waterlogged complex while his grandkids make merry and giggle out loud.

Flooding in Chennai and its surroundings is caused by heavy rain from Cyclone Fengal. Heavy rain has made life so hectic, but this granddad made it an enjoyable moment. The video of the scene has gained praise on the web, with people referring to the moment as “adorable.” One of the comments said, “GenZ grandfather,” and another said, “Never thought a cyclone could be this fun.”

Watch:

Grandfather with his grandchildren.❤️
Chennai, cyclone ..??? pic.twitter.com/2VFz3Oc3jq

— Chutki Chaiwali?? (@Chai_Angelic) December 3, 2024

Cyclone Fengal has brought southern state to a standstill with highways closed, flights delayed, and landslides reported. Pictures of flooded waters swallowing buses and other vehicles have surfaced, some of which were swept away by the forceful current. The highest rain was seen in Viluppuram with 51 cm, where widespread flooding has occurred. Here in Puducherry, 50,000 houses have been flooded, while in Thattanjavadi, more than hundred houses had water entering them with all belongings floating.

Parliament Winter Session: Opposition Protests In Lok Sabha, Walks Out On First Working Day

December 3, 2024, 11:42 am

Opposition Protest in Lok Sabha On the first working day of the Winter Session, opposition members walked out from the Lok Sabha after a week of deadlock, highlighting the tense political climate in the parliament. Congress-led protest brought to fore the deepening fissures among opposition parties as some members from Samajwadi and Trinamool Congress were conspicuous by their absence.

This absence has highlighted the fraying within the opposition, as these parties failed to unitedly force a strategy through which they could unite under before their parliamentary approach.

Congress in Firm Stance on Question of Accountability Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury described her party’s commitment: “It is not our responsibility for the House to function as much as it is everybody’s responsibility.”. She said, “We make all efforts from our end to run the House because the public expects us to raise their voice here strongly. If the government wants to run the House, it will function. If they do not want that, then everyone knows what the conspiracy is.” Chowdhury made it clear that the onus of running the proceedings lies on those in positions of authority within the House.

Cyclone Fengal being debated in Rajya Sabha Even as the walkout continued to unfold in the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha sat discussing Cyclone Fengal, which had landed just two days ago on the Puducherry coast. The cyclone has run amok in Tamil Nadu, causing heavy rainfall and flooding the very state. Members of the House are debating the affect of the cyclone and the measures that need to be taken to help the affected zones.

Cyclone Fengal : Schools and Colleges Closed in Puducherry

December 3, 2024, 6:32 am

The Puducherry government has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges on Tuesday, December 3. Heavy rainfall caused by Cyclone Fengal prompted this decision, announced by Education Minister A Namachivayam.

Financial Help for Affected Families

Chief Minister N Rangaswamy announced ₹5,000 relief for all ration cardholders affected by the cyclone. He explained, “Due to cyclone Fengal, Puducherry received 48% rainfall, which was unexpected. The Puducherry government has decided to provide relief assistance of ₹5,000 to all ration cardholders affected by the cyclone.”

Aid for Farmers and Fishermen

Cyclone Fengal damaged 10,000 hectares of crops in Puducherry. The government will compensate affected farmers with ₹30,000 per hectare.

The floods also harmed the fishing community. Fifty boats were damaged. The government announced ₹10,000 per boat for repairs.

Severe Flooding in Coastal Areas

The cyclone caused heavy rains in north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The Sankaraparani River overflowed, flooding over 200 homes in NR Nagar. Residents in these areas remain stranded.

Rescue Operations in Full Swing

Rescue teams, including the Indian Army and NDRF, are working round the clock. They are using boats to navigate flooded streets and evacuate stranded people.

Cyclone Fengal has left a trail of destruction. The government is taking steps to provide relief and support recovery efforts.

Cyclone Fengal crosses TN to Kerala, K’taka & AP

December 2, 2024, 8:35 pm

After making a landfall at the Tamil Nadu’s coastal areas predominantly at the Union territory of Puducherry, Villupuram, Chennai, Karaikal, Chengalpet, Nagapatinam, and other areas, Cyclone Fengal made slow progressing movement towards the west and Southwest of Tamil Nadu towards the Kerala Coast, South interior Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh – with a total duration of landfall over Tamil Nadu for around six hours.

Highest rainfall recorded at Villupuram & Puducherry

There was continuous rainfall throughout these times at about 13 districts of Tamil Nadu with the highest of rainfall recorded at the Villupuram which was about 50 cm and the UT of Puducherry which recorded a record-high rainfall over the past 30 years which was 48.4 cm. Later on Cyclone Fengal would wean into a deep depression and pass through the west and South west of Tamil Nadu heading towards the Kerala coast and the South and Southwest interior Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Indian Army, Coast Guards & NDRF into Rescue & Relief Works

Due to the incessant rains, flooding occurred at several areas in Puducherry – predominantly at some low-lying areas of the Union Territory such as Krishnanagar, Kubera Nagar, Jeeva Nagar and NR Nagar where the Indian Army personnel along with the Indian Coast Guard men and the NDRF and SDRF personnel went in boats to rescue people from inundated areas and brought them to temporary relief shelter camps. The district administration had designated all schools and colleges – government and private as cyclone relief camps and had deployed officials of the concerned authority to address the needs of the affected people during the cyclone.

The district collector of Puducherry had alerted the Indian Army’s Chennai Garrison Battallion early morning on Sunday to send a team for rescuing people who have been trapped at their houses due to flooding. Teams of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) were deployed to heavily affected areas with food packets, drinking water and medical relief materials using boats and other emergency kits. These teams were headed by an officer who had six junior commissioned officials under them to monitor more than 60 soldiers who work on the ground with them involved with rescue and relief work.

Nearly 200 people from the Krishna Nagar in Puducherry alone was rescued by the Indian Army personnel from their homes that were inundated with rains with water level rising even over five feet at ground-floors and basements of residential buildings. Further more people who were trapped at their flooding houses in Kubera Nagar, Jeeva Nagar, NR Nagar were also rescued by the army personnel who moved them to the cyclone relief camps.

Nearly 1500 affected people were shifted to 32 relief camps with a considerable amount of them being women and children. According to sources in the CMO, around 27,000 people have gotten food packets from the Amma canteen that had specially prepared food for the flood relief victims.

Casualties

Tamil Nadu government authorities stated that there were three persons who were killed in separate incidents due to electrocution in Chennai. A family of seven was feared to have been buried alive after boulders and mud came rolling downstream and covered their house in Thiruvannamalai. Among the seven, five are said to be children, the rescue sources said. NDRF and the state’s Fire and Emergency Personnel are using earthmovers to find the trapped victims.

According to the authorities, in Chennai and the UT Puducherry, there were around 27 incidents of trees that were uprooted and around 125 electric poles were broken and damaged. Electrical supply was disrupted wherever these damages occurred and the authorities soon after repairing the poles, electrical supply was restored.

The authorities also pointed out the main challenge was to clear the water logging. Men from the Public Works Departments were deployed all around to clear the stormwater drains so that the water logging was cleared at the earliest. The authorities declared 21 out of the total 23 subways clear for use after the PWD men pumped out water using water motor pumps.

CM MK Stalin visits cyclone affected areas & takes stock

Chief minister MK Stalin visited the Emergency Operations Centre in Ezhilagam in Chennai from where he had conducted video conferencing with district collectors and other officials to take stock of the situation and also to review rescue and relief work, precautionary measures and also to assess the situation on ground. The CM later visited the Marakkanam area and the Kottakupam in Villupuram which recorded the highest rainfall and had considerable amount of water logging affecting residents there. The chief minister also distributed relief kits to the affected people and urged them to stay safe taking advice from the authorities.

Stalin then visited the other flood affected areas and directed his district in-charge ministers to review and assess the rescue and relief work at their respective cyclone affected zones. CM Stalin also urged the Centre to send a team of officials to assess the situation and also to evaluate the crop loss in the agriculture sector due to Cyclone Fengal. Earlier, son of CM, and the Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin was distributing relief kits to the affected victims.

Public Transport Affected

Public transport was also affected in Chennai and surrounding areas with the district administration suspending bus services and suburban train services from Saturday afternoon. Bus services were suspended on the Old Mahabalipuram Road and the East Coast Road where there was continuous rainfall and there was instances of water logging and flooding. Suburban trains were suspended since Saturday afternoon and only resumed by Sunday afternoon.

Airport Operations Disrupted

Operations at the Chennai Meenambakkam International airport remained suspended from Saturday evening and it only resumed at 1am early on Sunday after there there was clearance from the Indian Meterological Department (iMD) that the skies were safe for landing and take-offs. It was earlier announced by the Airport authorities that the services would be suspended until 4 am in the morning. Several passengers were stranded and some of them annoyed were also demanding for a refund for their tickets. Earlier on Saturday, due to the incessant rainfalls, two runways and one taxi-way were inundated with water affecting flight operations. A couple of private carriers had suspended their operations and informed their passengers about the disruption even before the Chennai International Airport authorities shut down their operations.

As on Sunday, there were around 45 domestic flights that were cancelled due to Cyclone Fengal. These flights were to cities like Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Thiruvananthapuram, and Bengaluru that were cancelled, and additionally 22 in-bound flights were also cancelled. A total of 20 international flights to destinations like Doha, Dubai, Sharjah and Kualalampur were also cancelled on Sunday. However, airport operations returned to normal after it was resumed earlier at 1 am.

Sources from the Chennai Regional Meterological Department stated that Cyclone Fengal which had made the landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry hovered slowly above the Tamil Nadu skies for about six hours and continued to move towards in the direction of west and Southwest – towards the interior parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and the four coastal districts of Kerala.

The Kerala Disaster Management and Relief Authority have issued Red Alerts at four districts of Kerala – Mallapuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Wayanad which is highly a land-slide prone area. Schools and colleges have been declared holiday on Monday and people have been advised to stay indoors. They have also been directed to look up for advisories from reliable – mostly governmental sources and to also prepare themselves with an emergency kit to deal with during disasters. Orange alerts have been issued to districts like Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palghat and Kasargod too.

Cyclone Fengal Landfall: Buses And Vehicles Swept Away By Flood Waters | WATCH

December 2, 2024, 4:29 pm

Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall near Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, has weakened into a deep depression as of Sunday. However, the region continues to battle the aftermath, with heavy rains and severe flooding affecting various parts of the state and union territory.

Krishnagiri District Worst Hit by Flooding

Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district has been one of the worst-hit areas, with floodwaters inundating roads and low-lying regions. The situation in Krishnagiri has been alarming, especially at the Uthangiri bus station, where several vehicles were submerged in rising floodwaters. Buses and cars were seen being carried away by the strong currents, highlighting the severity of the flood situation.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

Vehicles parked at roadside in Parasan Eri bund in Uthangarai to Tirupathur strech washed away for a few metres. People said over 20 vehicles cars and travels immersed in water. Uthangarai #CycloneFengal effect in #Krishnagiri district. pic.twitter.com/jNcQhfXAOV

— Sivaguru. S (@shivaguru_TNIE) December 2, 2024

The Krishnagiri district has experienced continuous rainfall for over 14 hours, with the Uthangarai area recording the highest levels of precipitation overnight.

Ongoing Rescue Operations Amid Flooding

Rescue operations are actively underway across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to help those trapped by the floods. The Indian Army played a crucial role in rescuing an infant stranded in a house submerged in floodwaters in Puducherry. The rescue operation was carried out using an inflated boat.

Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvannamalai district, a family trapped under a landslide is being rescued by a team from IIT Madras. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also rescued individuals in Cuddalore district using boats, emphasizing the urgency and scope of the rescue efforts.

Heavy Rainfall Warning and School Closures

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall alert for several districts in Tamil Nadu, including Nilgiris, Erode, Coimbatore, Tirupur, Dindigul, Krishnagiri, Salem, Namakkal, Trichy, Karur, Madurai, and Theni. An ‘orange’ alert has also been issued for Karnataka and neighbouring areas, forecasting rough weather conditions through Tuesday.

As a result of the heavy rains and floods, all private and government schools and colleges in Tamil Nadu have been closed for the day. Over 7,000 people have been evacuated in the state, with 147 shelter camps set up to accommodate them.

Stranded Residents in Puducherry

In Puducherry, the situation is equally grim, particularly in Krishna Nagar, where water levels have risen to nearly five feet. Nearly 500 houses are submerged, leaving residents stranded. Fortunately, over 100 people have already been rescued by the Indian Army.

Continued Relief Efforts

Despite the weakening of Cyclone Fengal, the situation remains dire, and authorities continue to provide assistance and organize rescue operations in both Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. As the rains persist, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and urging residents to remain cautious.

Cyclone Fengal Causes Severe Flooding in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry: Rescue Operations Underway

December 1, 2024, 1:52 pm

Cyclone Fengal made landfall on November 30, unleashing relentless rainfall across several districts in Tamil Nadu and resulting in significant flooding, particularly in Cuddalore. Disaster response teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), are actively utilizing boats to rescue residents stranded by the rising waters. Under the leadership of District Collector Balaraman, the NDRF is coordinating these efforts with local authorities.

The Tamil Nadu Disaster Rescue team is also engaged in clearing roadways, including the removal of a fallen tree from the national highway in Chinna Gangankuppam, a border area between Cuddalore and Puducherry, using a JCB machine.

Puducherry has been severely impacted by torrential rains

Puducherry has been severely impacted by the torrential rains associated with Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall that night. The heavy downpours have disrupted normal life across the union territory, with visuals showing vehicles partially submerged on the streets. The region is currently experiencing a flood-like situation, prompting the Indian Army to launch rescue operations. Since 6:15 AM on December 1, over 100 people have been evacuated.

Chennai Garrison Battalion of the Indian Army was mobilized early Sunday

The Chennai Garrison Battalion of the Indian Army was mobilized early Sunday morning to assist in the rescue efforts in flood-affected areas of Puducherry. Responding to a request from the Puducherry District Collector, a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) team, consisting of one officer, six junior commissioned officers, and 62 other ranks, was swiftly deployed. The team departed from Chennai at 2 AM, covering 160 kilometers to reach Puducherry by 5:30 AM. Upon arrival, Major Ajay Sangwan briefed the team on the critical situation in Krishna Nagar, where water levels had risen to nearly five feet, inundating around 500 homes. Rescue operations began at 6:15 AM, successfully evacuating over 100 individuals in the first two hours.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Cyclone Fengal made landfall between 10:30 PM and 11:30 PM IST, with wind speeds reaching 70-80 km/h and gusts up to 90 km/h. As of 5:30 AM, the cyclone remained stationary approximately 120 kilometers south-southwest of Chennai and is expected to slowly move westward, likely weakening into a deep depression over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry within the next six hours. A red alert has been issued for northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and parts of southern Andhra Pradesh.

Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy reported that the territory received 50 centimeters of rainfall overnight, leading to extensive flooding. He stated, “I am currently inspecting the flood-affected areas. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to evacuate those stranded in the floodwaters.”

The heavy rainfall brought by Cyclone Fengal resulted in record precipitation, with Puducherry recording 48.4 centimeters of rain over a 24-hour period until 8:30 AM on December 1, marking the highest cumulative rainfall in the last 30 years.

Despite the adverse weather conditions, Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train services resumed normal operations across all suburban districts on December 1, following disruptions caused by the cyclone. The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued a forecast predicting “isolated heavy to very heavy” rainfall for Chennai on Sunday, with high tides and rough sea conditions observed along the coast.

Earlier, operations at Chennai airport were halted on Saturday due to strong winds and heavy rains, leading to numerous flight cancellations and affecting hundreds of passengers. As the situation continues to develop, rescue and recovery efforts remain a top priority for local authorities and disaster response teams.

Cyclone Fengal: Local Hero Saves Dog Amid Pondicherry Floods | WATCH

December 1, 2024, 11:58 am

Cyclone Fengal has wreaked havoc across southern regions, including Tamil Nadu, Bengaluru, and Pondicherry, causing landslides, flooded roads, and flight disruptions. Among the affected areas, Pondicherry faced severe waterlogging in its streets and alleys due to the cyclone’s deep depression.

Torrential Rains in Pondicherry

The Union Territory experienced unprecedented rainfall, marking its highest record in 30 years. The torrential downpour left many streets submerged, creating challenging conditions for both residents and stray animals. While humans found refuge in their homes, the plight of animals caught in the deluge was a stark reminder of the calamity’s broader impact.

Also Read: Cyclone Fengal Brings Torrential Rain and Winds

A heart-wrenching video from a waterlogged street in Pondicherry captured the struggle of a stray dog partially submerged in rainwater. The animal, standing near a closed shop, appeared to be seeking assistance as the floodwaters continued to rise.

Local Hero Rescues the Dog

The video showed a compassionate local stepping in to help the stranded dog. Carefully approaching the animal, the man lifted it from the waterlogged roadside, seemingly intending to move it to a safer location.

News agency ANI shared the video on social media, writing, “A Dog stuck in the water was rescued as a flood-like situation continues in parts of Puducherry following incessant rainfall.”

Watch:

#WATCH | A Dog stuck in the water was rescued as a flood-like situation continues in parts of Puducherry following incessant rainfall.#CycloneFengal pic.twitter.com/BI6g9v2LDk

— ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2024

This act of kindness highlighted the community’s resilience and empathy amidst Cyclone Fengal’s devastating impact.

Nature’s Fury: Cyclone Fengal Brings Torrential Rain and Winds | In Pics

December 1, 2024, 11:38 am

Cyclone Fengal crossed the Tamil Nadu coast between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram on Sunday around 2 a.m., the India Meteorological Department said. The cyclone is expected to move west-southwest wards and weaken into a deep depression within six hours post-landfall.

The IMD has issued a red alert for Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and parts of Karnataka, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and wind speeds up to 70 km/h in coastal districts.

Chennai Airport and Relief Efforts

Chennai airport resumed flights at 4 a.m. following the brief suspension with passengers reporting late and canceled services. Meanwhile, relief works undertaken by Indian Army and the National Disaster Response Force initiated at 6:15 a.m and evacuated over 100 personnel within the first two hours.

Schools and colleges stayed closed in all Puducherry regions and also in most areas of the Tamil Nadu including Kanchipuram regions. Fishing communities were banned from coming ashore for fishing along with shifting fishery equipment and structures to deeper waters.

Weather Warnings and Preparations

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin reviewed state preparedness as heavy rainfall is expected for the next 48 hours. IMD officials emphasised potential flooding in coastal areas, high tides, and scattered heavy to very heavy rainfall. Coastal districts near the landfall point are expected to experience the brunt of the cyclone’s impact.

Migrant Worker Electrocuted in Chennai During Cyclone Fengal

December 1, 2024, 8:24 am

A migrant worker, Chandan, was electrocuted in Chennai’s Muthialpet area on Saturday. He touched a live cable while trying to withdraw money from an ATM during Cyclone Fengal’s heavy rain.

Chandan, originally from Odisha, was working at a private showroom in Parrys. As he approached the ATM, he accidentally touched an iron pole near a damaged electrical post. The shock threw him onto the road.

Onlookers quickly helped and rushed him to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, he was declared dead on arrival.

Cyclone Fengal Causes Flooding in Chennai

Cyclone Fengal made landfall on Saturday, bringing heavy rain to Tamil Nadu. The storm caused widespread flooding, especially in Chennai.

Hospitals, homes, and roads were submerged. Two state-run hospitals in Chromepet were affected, with rainwater entering their premises. Road users struggled as strong winds and heavy rain left many areas underwater.

Cyclone Fengal Nears Landfall: Tamil Nadu Braces For Heavy Rains And High Winds

November 30, 2024, 7:54 pm

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin on Saturday reviewed the state’s preparedness as Cyclone Fengal approaches, with heavy rainfall expected over the next 48 hours. The cyclonic storm, currently over the Bay of Bengal, is forecast to make landfall near Puducherry on Saturday afternoon, November 30, with wind speeds reaching up to 90 kmph.

Several flights to and from Chennai have been disrupted due to the continuous downpour, prompting travel advisories for passengers. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for parts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry, warning of high tides and severe rainfall in the region.

Ananda Das, head of IMD’s Cyclonic Division, confirmed the red alert for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu, south Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and interior Karnataka. Dr. S Balachandran, director of Chennai’s Regional Meteorological Centre, stated that coastal districts, especially between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry, would bear the brunt of the storm, with wind speeds of 50-70 kmph and intense rainfall expected between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.

As a precaution, schools and colleges in Puducherry and several Tamil Nadu districts, including Kanchipuram, remain closed. Additionally, the Puducherry fisheries department has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea and to relocate their boats and equipment to higher ground to prevent damage.

Cyclone Fengal Landfall Expected Today: Red Alert Issued for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry; Flight Services Disrupted

November 30, 2024, 11:39 am

Cyclone Fengal is set to make landfall on the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast this afternoon, prompting authorities to issue a red alert for several southern states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu, South Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and interior Karnataka, with strong winds and potential flooding expected throughout the weekend.

Cyclone Path and Impact

As of Friday, Cyclone Fengal is located about 300-350 km off the Tamil Nadu coast. The storm is predicted to move west-northwestward, making landfall near Puducherry between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram by Saturday afternoon. Wind speeds are expected to range from 70-80 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 90 km/h as the storm intensifies.

Coastal areas of north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh are expected to experience the heaviest rainfall, with interior Tamil Nadu also facing intense showers.

Ongoing Impact and Warnings

School Closures: Schools and colleges in Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu, have been closed due to the storm’s forecasted heavy rainfall.
Flight Disruptions: IndiGo Airlines has warned passengers of delays or cancellations for flights to and from Tamil Nadu airports, including Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, and Madurai, as well as flights to Tirupati and Visakhapatnam.
Cyclone Warnings for Andhra Pradesh: Districts such as Nellore, Tirupati, and Chittoor are expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours. Cyclone alerts have been issued for nearby districts.

Weather Forecast

Wind speeds on Friday reached 50-60 km/h, with gusts up to 70 km/h. Heavy rainfall is expected between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm on Saturday, with other areas facing scattered heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Preparations and Precautions

Disaster Response: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in vulnerable districts like Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, and Chennai. Emergency equipment such as boats and generators have been pre-positioned.
Emergency Contacts: Toll-free numbers 112 and 1077, along with a WhatsApp helpline at 9488981070, have been set up for distress calls.
Fishing Advisory: Fishermen in Puducherry have been advised not to venture into the sea, and boats must be moved to higher ground.

High Alert in Puducherry and Tamil Nadu

Puducherry is on high alert, with schools and colleges closed on Saturday. Local authorities are coordinating disaster management efforts to ensure preparedness as the region braces for Cyclone Fengal.

Cyclone ‘Fengal’ Brings Intense Rainfall to North Coastal Tamil Nadu Districts

November 30, 2024, 9:57 am

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has forecast continued intense rainfall across the northern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu on Saturday due to the impact of Cyclone Fengal. According to the state weather department, isolated areas in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villuppuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, and Puducherry are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy rain expected in a few locations.

“Heavy to very heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam districts and Karaikal area. Heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal, Tiruchirappalli, Pudukkottai and Karur districts,” Tamil Nadu IMD said in a release.
According to IMD, Cyclone ‘Fengal’ over Southwest Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards earlier and is expected to cross north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts later in the day.
“The Cyclonic Storm “FENGAL” [pronounced as FEINJAL] over Southwest Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 12 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centred at 0530 hours IST of today, the 30th November 2024 over the same region near latitude 12.2°N and longitude 81.2°E, about 150 km east of Puducherry, 140 km southeast of Chennai, 210 km northeast of Nagappattinam and 400 km north of Trincomalee,” RMC said.
“It is likely to move nearly westwards and cross north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram close to Puducherry as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph during evening of November 30,” the weather department added.
The IMD said that Cyclone Fengal is being continuously monitored by the weather department from the Doppler weather radars at Chennai (S band), Sriharikota, and Chennai (X band) in addition to the satellite observations.
According to the IMD, the cyclone will hit the coastal areas of north Tamil Nadu today evening and a red alert was issued yesterday for various parts of southern states including south Andhra Pradesh coasts.
Due to the Cyclone Fengal’s impact, many coastal areas witnessed changes in weather with gusty winds and rains. Chennai has witnessed incessant heavy to moderate rainfall from last night till this morning, which has caused rough sea conditions with strong winds.
The government authorities advised the public to not visit beaches in the metropolis, including Marina Beach, Pattinapakkam and Edward Elliot Beach. The tourist spots in Puducherry have been closed as a precautionary measure, owing to the impending cyclone Fengal.
A team led by SSP Kalaivanan visited the beaches in the coastal area and inspected them earlier in the day.
Puducherry Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kalaivanan said that security has been heightened on the coastal roads and nearby areas in Puducherry.
“Due to Cyclone Fanjal, the sea waves in Puducherry are seen to be rough. In addition, barricades have been erected to prevent the public from going there and coastal roads have been closed. More than 300 police personnel are also involved in security work,” SSP said while speaking to reporters.
Puducherry received moderate rain, as per IMD, in the morning today but the rough sea was seen more than usual.
SSP Kalaivanan said that the government and the police are prepared to face Cyclone Fenchal, and that no public has been allowed to go to the coastal area.
Tamil Nadu’s Ranipet district and its surrounding areas have been receiving moderate rainfall since last night. The cold winds have been blowing in Ranipet district since yesterday morning. The Walajapet and various surrounding areas of the Ranipet district have been witnessing continuous moderate rainfall since last night.
After warnings issued by the IMD regarding heavy rainfall, a holiday has been declared for 9 districts.
Earlier, the Kanchipuram district administration announced a holiday for Saturday in schools and colleges. This order has been issued for all educational institutions, including private ones, in the district on November 30.

Cyclone Fengal Hits Tamil Nadu Tomorrow, Red Alert Issued

November 29, 2024, 10:31 pm

Cyclone Fengal is poised to make landfall along the Tamil Nadu coast tomorrow evening, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for several southern states due to anticipated heavy rainfall.

As of this evening, the cyclone is situated approximately 300-350 km from the Tamil Nadu coastline. Ananda Das, Head of the IMD’s Cyclonic Division, stated, “The landfall is expected tomorrow evening on the coast of Tamil Nadu. During landfall, wind speeds are projected to be 70-80 km/h, with gusts up to 90 km/h.”

The IMD has forecasted heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across various regions:

Coastal districts of North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh: Anticipated to receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.

Interior Tamil Nadu: Expected to experience heavy rainfall on November 30.

From Tamil Nadu to Kerala and interior Karnataka: Heavy rainfall is predicted until December 1.

In response to these forecasts, a red alert has been issued for the affected areas.

The Puducherry Fisheries Department has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea and to relocate their fishing boats and equipment to higher grounds to prevent damage. Their statement noted, “The cyclone is currently situated in the Bay of Bengal, expected to move west-northwest and cross the coast near Puducherry tomorrow (30.11.2024) around noon. During this time, wind speeds are expected to reach 70-80 km/h, with gusts up to 90 km/h.”

Additionally, the Puducherry Port has raised warning signal number 7, indicating that a cyclone is likely to cross the coast over or near the port.

Earlier today, the IMD announced, “The Deep Depression over Southwest Bay of Bengal intensified into Cyclonic Storm FENGAL over the same region at 2:30 pm today, November 29.”

Preceding the cyclone’s landfall, heavy rainfall has already caused significant damage. In Tamil Nadu’s Nagapattinam district, over 800 acres of paddy crops have been submerged, leaving farmers in distress. Affected areas include Kamashwaram, Virundhamavadi, Pudupalli, Vedrappu, Vanamadevi, Vallapallam, Kallimedu, Eeravayal, and Chemboadi.

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Authorities urge residents in low-lying and coastal areas to remain vigilant and adhere to safety advisories as Cyclone Fengal approaches, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding to the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu.

Cyclone Fengal Triggers School Closures in Puducherry Amid Heavy Rain Forecast

November 29, 2024, 9:56 am

Due to the anticipated heavy rainfall from Cyclone Fengal, schools and colleges in Puducherry will remain closed on Friday and Saturday. The cyclone, which is intensifying over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to bring severe weather, including heavy rain, strong winds, and possible flooding to coastal regions in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh.

Cyclone Fengal’s Current Position and Forecast

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal is currently located about 310 km southeast of Nagapattinam, 410 km southeast of Puducherry, and 480 km south-southeast of Chennai. Chennai’s Regional Meteorological Centre director, S. Balachandran, said that the depression will likely strengthen over the next 48 hours, leading to heavy rain and strong winds.

Key Updates on Cyclone Fengal’s Progress

Authorities in Tamil Nadu have urged residents in low-lying and coastal areas to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines as Cyclone Fengal approaches. The storm is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm while skirting Sri Lanka, and move north-northwest toward the coast.
Widespread moderate rainfall is anticipated across Tamil Nadu, with isolated heavy rain in the coming days. On November 29 and 30, isolated areas of north Tamil Nadu will experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, with the possibility of extremely heavy falls.
Areas in south Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema will also see heavy to very heavy rainfall on November 29, while Kerala, Mahe, and parts of Karnataka may experience similar conditions from November 30 to December 1.
IMD warned that the cyclone might briefly intensify between November 28 and 29, with wind speeds of 65-75 km/h, gusting to 85 km/h. However, factors like wind shear and weaker winds may prevent the system from fully developing into a strong cyclone. The storm is expected to cross the coast on November 30 as a deep depression.
Coastal regions including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal may experience strong winds reaching 50-60 km/h, with gusts up to 70 km/h. In the Comorin area and Gulf of Mannar, squally winds of 55-65 km/h, gusting to 75 km/h, are expected.

Rainfall and Fishermen Advisory

Heavy rainfall is forecasted for the next few days, particularly in the Delta districts, Chengalpattu, and Viluppuram. On Friday, parts of Puducherry, Cuddalore, Chengalpattu, and the Delta region may experience extremely heavy rainfall. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until November 31 due to the stormy conditions.

Rescue Operations and Disaster Response

The Indian Navy has activated its disaster response plan to manage the effects of Cyclone Fengal, with a focus on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. The Eastern Naval Command, in coordination with local and state authorities, is overseeing these operations. Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard rescued six fishermen who were stranded at an abandoned jetty in Cuddalore after their boats were damaged.

ISRO’s Role in Monitoring the Cyclone

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been closely monitoring the cyclone using its satellites EOS-06 and INSAT-3DR since November 23. These satellite observations have provided crucial data on ocean winds, intensity, and direction, aiding disaster management efforts.

As Cyclone Fengal continues to strengthen, authorities are taking comprehensive measures to protect vulnerable communities. With close monitoring from both national agencies and international space technology, efforts to mitigate the storm’s impact are ongoing.

Cyclone Fengal Nears Tamil Nadu Coast: Heavy Rainfall, Navy on High Alert

November 28, 2024, 10:29 pm

As Cyclonic Storm ‘Fengal’ approaches Tamil Nadu, the state braces for widespread rainfall and potential flooding in coastal areas. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy downpours over the next few days, prompting disaster preparedness measures.

IMD Updates on Cyclone Fengal

Chennai Regional Meteorological Centre Director, S. Balachandran, reported that the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified, now located approximately 310 km southeast of Nagapattinam, 410 km southeast of Puducherry, and 480 km south-southeast of Chennai.

“It is expected to move north-northwestward and cross between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram by the morning of November 30,” he said.

Most parts of Tamil Nadu are predicted to experience moderate rainfall over the next 2–3 days. However, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is anticipated in select districts. Over the next 24 hours, heavy rainfall is expected in Delta districts, Chengalpattu, and Viluppuram. On November 30, extremely heavy rainfall may occur in Viluppuram, Cuddalore, Puducherry, and Chengalpattu.

Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea until November 31 due to rough conditions.

Navy Steps Up Disaster Response

The Indian Navy has activated a comprehensive disaster response mechanism to address the cyclone’s impact. The Eastern Naval Command, in collaboration with Tamil Nadu and Puducherry naval units, is coordinating with civil administrations to ensure rapid response.

Specialized Flood Relief Teams (FRTs) are being stationed in vulnerable regions, and vehicles loaded with essential relief supplies such as food, water, and medical kits are on standby. The focus remains on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.

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Public Safety Advisory

As Cyclone Fengal intensifies, authorities are urging residents in low-lying and coastal areas to remain vigilant. Strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding are expected. Residents have been advised to adhere to safety guidelines and evacuation protocols as necessary.

The situation continues to develop, with IMD and state authorities monitoring the cyclone’s progress closely.

Cyclone Fengal Set To Hit 11 States With A Speed Of 55 Km/h

November 22, 2024, 3:29 am

Cyclone Fengal: A new cyclonic storm is expected to hit the country, bringing heavy rains to several states. Winds could reach speeds of up to 55 kilometers per hour, potentially causing significant disruption in the affected areas. The cyclone has been named Fengal, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and red alerts for heavy rainfall.

A cyclonic circulation has developed over the Indian Ocean and the South Andaman Sea, which is likely to form a low-pressure area in the southeastern Bay of Bengal by November 23. This system is expected to move west-northwestward and intensify into a depression over central parts of the South Bay of Bengal in the next two days, affecting Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. During this period, strong winds and rainfall are anticipated.

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Moderate to heavy rain with thunder and lightning is expected over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala on November 25. Light to moderate rain is also forecast for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands throughout the week. On November 22, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura are expected to remain cloudy. Heavy rain is predicted over Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh from November 25 to 27. The Nicobar Islands may experience rain from November 22 to 24, while Kerala is expected to see rain from November 26 to 27.

IMD issues alert for fishermen

The IMD has issued an alert for fishermen due to expected strong winds in several coastal regions. Wind speeds of 35 kmph to 55 kmph are forecast over the South Kerala coast and the Lakshadweep region. Strong winds will also prevail over the South Andaman Sea from November 22-24, the Comorin area and Bay of Mannar on November 25, the Southeast Bay of Bengal from November 22-25, and the Southwest Bay of Bengal on November 24-25. Fishermen have been advised to avoid these areas during these conditions.

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