Cyclone Fengal Live Updates: Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Batter Tamil Nadu as Landfall Nears
Cyclone Fengal, intensifying over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall near Puducherry this afternoon (November 30, 2024). Heavy rainfall and gusty winds have disrupted normal life across Tamil Nadu and its coastal regions.
Key Developments:
Expected Landfall: Cyclone Fengal, moving at a speed of 12 km/h, is likely to cross the coast between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, near Puducherry, with wind speeds of 70–80 km/h, gusting up to 90 km/h.
Rainfall Impact: The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, has issued a red alert, warning of isolated extremely heavy rainfall in seven coastal districts. Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Tiruvallur have already experienced steady rains leading to waterlogging and vehicular disruptions.
Precautionary Measures: All schools and colleges in affected districts remain closed.
IT companies have been advised to enable work-from-home arrangements.
Over 2,200 relief camps have been set up across Tamil Nadu to shelter affected residents, with more than 470 people already evacuated from low-lying areas in Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur.
Public Transport and Safety: Authorities have temporarily suspended public transport on East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) as a precaution. Helpline numbers have been activated for assistance in Chengalpattu, Puducherry, and other affected districts.
Localized Effects:
Chennai: Witnessed steady rain over the past 24 hours, with areas like Kathivakkam recording the highest rainfall at 68.4 mm. Marina Beach and Velachery areas reported flooding, while Chennai Metro continues to operate without delays.
Sri Lanka: The adverse weather linked to Cyclone Fengal has claimed 15 lives, affecting over 450,000 people with floods and strong winds in its Eastern Province.
Neighboring Andhra Pradesh: Nellore and Chittoor districts have experienced light to moderate rainfall. Red alerts remain in place for several Seema districts, warning of extremely heavy downpours.
Meteorological Insights:
Cyclone Fengal has exhibited an unusually long lifespan, persisting longer than the typical 4.4-day life cycle of cyclonic systems over the Bay of Bengal. Experts have linked this anomaly to changing atmospheric conditions during the Northeast Monsoon.
Advisories:
Residents are urged to stay indoors and avoid venturing near coastal areas or waterlogged regions. The Chief Electrical Inspectorate has also issued safety warnings to prevent electrical accidents during the heavy rains.