New Delhi: Cyclone Fengal made landfall near Puducherry on Saturday, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The adverse weather conditions disrupted transportation and inundated various parts of Chennai, though officials reported no major damage immediately following the storm.
Steady rains lashed Chennai and its neighbouring districts, affecting road, rail, and air travel. Authorities moved people from vulnerable areas to safer locations as a precaution. By Saturday evening, rainfall in many areas became intermittent and subsided by night.
Cyclone’s impact not as severe as anticipated
Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management Minister KKSSR Ramachandran stated that the cyclone’s impact was not as severe as anticipated. However, rain-related incidents led to three fatalities in Chennai due to electrocution. Further assessments of the damage are expected by Sunday.
Chennai airport operations were suspended until 4am on Sunday due to waterlogging on two runways and a taxiway. The disruption led to the cancellation of 55 flights and the diversion of 19 others, including international services. Officials estimate that over 10,000 passengers were affected by the cancellations and delays.
Public transport in the city also took a hit, with six of 22 subways temporarily closed due to waterlogging. Efforts to clear stagnation are underway, with disaster relief teams actively working in affected areas. Heavy rains caused waterlogging in two government hospitals in Chromepet, creating difficulties for patients and staff. Local authorities deployed sandbags and initiated measures to address the situation, according to a PTI report.
Over 200 people in relief camps
Despite the rains, essential services like milk distribution and sanitation operations continued. Electricity supply, disrupted in many areas, is being gradually restored. Chief Minister MK Stalin and deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin conducted reviews and inspections in the affected areas. In Chennai, nearly 200 people were housed in relief camps, while the Greater Chennai Corporation distributed food to over 2.3 lakh people. Amma Canteens provided free meals at all 386 locations, and 1,700 motor pumps were deployed to tackle waterlogging at 334 spots.
In Puducherry, authorities reported no significant damage and had earlier issued SMS alerts to 12 lakh residents, advising caution.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that the landfall process began at 5.30pm on Saturday and was expected to complete by midnight. Health Minister Ma Subramanian announced plans for 500 medical camps across districts, including Chennai, Chengelpet, and Cuddalore, to address health concerns in the aftermath of the storm.
