Cyclone Fengal, currently a deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal, is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm and cross the northern Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts, between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, on the morning of November 30. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that wind speeds could reach 50-60 km/h, gusting up to 70 km/h, as the storm moves northwestward.
The IMD’s latest update states the deep depression, which remained nearly stationary for several hours, is predicted to move north-northwestward, skirting Sri Lanka’s coast and intensifying into a cyclonic storm. The storm is expected to make landfall over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, causing heavy rainfall across the region.
Puducherry Schools Closed Due to Heavy Rain
Schools and colleges in Puducherry have been closed on Thursday due to the heavy rainfall brought on by the deep depression. The region’s education minister, Arumugam Namassivayam, confirmed the closure as a precaution. The Chief Minister’s office reported that Puducherry had received 7.5 cm of rainfall, while Karaikal recorded 9.5 cm over the past 24 hours.
Government Preparations and Response
Puducherry’s Chief Minister N Rangasamy has directed officials from disaster management and municipal services to take swift action, including relocating residents in low-lying areas to relief camps. A 24/7 control room has been set up to monitor the situation.
The IMD forecasts light to moderate rain, with thunderstorms and lightning, across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal. Heavy rain is expected in districts such as Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, and Cuddalore, while Chennai and Tiruvallur could also experience heavy rainfall in isolated areas.
Travel and Flight Disruptions
IndiGo Airlines issued a travel advisory on Wednesday night, warning of continued disruptions to flights traveling to and from Chennai, Tuticorin, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, and Salem. Passengers have been urged to check flight updates online for smoother travel.
Coast Guard Prepares for Cyclone Impact
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is coordinating with Tamil Nadu agencies to ensure the safety of seafarers, as the depression intensifies into a cyclone. ICG’s ships, aircraft, and radar stations have issued warnings for fishing boats to return to harbor.
Impact on Agriculture and Infrastructure
Intermittent rain on Wednesday caused flooding in Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery delta, damaging standing paddy crops over an estimated 2,000 acres. In addition, extensive salt pans in Nagapattinam and Villupuram were inundated due to heavy rain. The storm’s effects also caused the collapse of houses and damage to power infrastructure, leading to power outages and localized flooding.
Despite the storm weakening as it reaches the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast, authorities remain on high alert.
