Chennai: Cyclonic storm Fengal began crossing northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts on Sunday, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region. The storm, which is moving west-southwestwards, is expected to weaken gradually into a deep depression within the next few hours, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The storm disrupted normal life, with reports of waterlogging, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted transportation services. Authorities have evacuated residents from vulnerable areas to relief camps and implemented precautionary measures to minimize the impact.
Current status and forecast
As of 12.30 am on December 1, the storm was stationary near Puducherry, with wind speeds of 65-75 kmph and gusts up to 85 kmph. IMD predicted that Cyclone Fengal will continue moving west-southwestwards and cross the coast between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram. Wind speeds during landfall are expected to remain around 70-80 kmph, with gusts reaching 90 kmph.
In a post on X, IMD stated, “The Cyclonic Storm “FENGAL” [pronounced as FEINJAL] over north coastal Tamilnadu & Puducherry remained practically stationary during past 1 hour and lay centered at 0030 hrs IST of today, the 01st December over the same region near latitude 12.0°N and longitude 79.8°E, close to Puducherry, as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 65-75 kmph gusting to 85 kmph. The cyclonic storm “FENGAL” will move west-southwestwards slowly and weaken gradually into a deep depression during the next 3 hours. The system is being continuously monitored by the Doppler Weather Radar at Chennai & Karaikal.”
HOURLY UPDATE ON CYCLONIC STORM “FENGAL”
The Cyclonic Storm “FENGAL” [pronounced as FEINJAL] over north coastal Tamilnadu & Puducherry remained practically stationary during past 1 hour and lay centered at 0030 hrs IST of today, the 01st December 2024 over the same region near… pic.twitter.com/fjJRQOaKyf
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) November 30, 2024
Regional impact and warnings
Heavy rain and strong winds were reported across Puducherry and northern Tamil Nadu, leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas. Relief camps have been established, particularly in Kalpakkam in Chengalpattu district, to accommodate affected residents. Officials are monitoring the situation and providing assistance to those in need.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin conducted inspections and reviewed the state’s preparedness at the Chennai State Operations Center on November 30. He interacted with district collectors via video conferencing to assess ground conditions and ensure that relief efforts were well-coordinated.
In Puducherry, district collector A Kulothungan stated that over 4,000 government officials are on duty, and relief centers are fully equipped. The administration has been disseminating warning messages and keeping a war room operational to respond to emergencies.
The IMD is closely monitoring the storm using Doppler weather radars in Chennai and Karaikal. Residents have been advised to stay indoors, and fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea due to rough conditions.
