Cyclone Fengal is set to make landfall near Puducherry this afternoon, bringing heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and high wind speeds. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Tamil Nadu, South Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and interior Karnataka, warning of intense weather conditions and disruptions.
Cyclone Fengal, positioned approximately 300-350 km off the Tamil Nadu coast as of Friday evening, is expected to make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry. Wind speeds are predicted to reach 70-80 km/h, gusting up to 90 km/h during the landfall, according to IMD Cyclonic Division Head Ananda Das.
“Coastal districts of North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh will experience heavy to extremely heavy rainfall,” said Das, adding that the cyclone is likely to intensify slightly before making landfall.
Rainfall and Impact
•Coastal Areas: Heavy rainfall is already reported in parts of Tamil Nadu, and extremely heavy rainfall is expected in coastal districts during the cyclone’s landfall.
•Interior Regions: Areas in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka will continue experiencing heavy rainfall till December 1.
•Schools and Colleges: Educational institutions in Kanchipuram and Puducherry have been closed for Saturday.
•Flights: IndiGo Airlines issued an advisory about potential disruptions to flights in Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Tuticorin, Madurai, Tirupati, and Vishakhapatnam.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and state authorities are on alert. Boats, generators, and other essential equipment have been deployed across vulnerable districts such as Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, and Chennai.
The fisheries department has advised fishermen to stay ashore, relocating their equipment to safer locations.
Helpline Numbers
The Puducherry Department of Revenue and Disaster Management has provided toll-free numbers (112 and 1077) and a WhatsApp helpline (9488981070) for emergencies.
The cyclone is expected to move west-northwestward after landfall, with winds and rains intensifying during the early afternoon hours, especially between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Clouds and high moisture levels could lead to a prolonged spell of rain in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow updates from local authorities as Cyclone Fengal makes its impact felt along the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coastline.
