Cyclone Fengal Triggers School Closures in Puducherry Amid Heavy Rain Forecast

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.