Wed Nov 27 23:08:56 UTC 2024: ## Cyclone Fengal Threatens Tamil Nadu: Schools Closed, Flights Disrupted, and Heavy Rains Lash Coast

**Chennai, Tamil Nadu, November 27, 2024** – A deep depression in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm, dubbed Cyclone Fengal, prompting widespread disruption across Tamil Nadu. Heavy rains have lashed the state since Tuesday, leading to school closures, flight cancellations, and flash flood warnings.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Chennai and surrounding areas, predicting light to moderate rainfall, with occasional heavy downpours, until Thursday. Schools and colleges in several districts, including Tiruchirappalli, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Tiruvarur, are closed on Wednesday due to the inclement weather. Puducherry and Karaikal have also declared a holiday for educational institutions.

The IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall in Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai districts, with extremely heavy rain possible in some areas. Several other districts are also expected to experience heavy rainfall. Flash flood warnings have been issued for numerous districts across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, with high risk levels for many coastal areas.

The rough seas have forced fishermen in Cuddalore to bring their boats ashore. IndiGo Airlines has issued a travel advisory, warning of flight disruptions from Chennai, Tuticorin, and Madurai, with potential impact on Tiruchirappalli and Salem airports as well.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has convened a high-level meeting, ordering the deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state teams to affected areas. Reports indicate that standing paddy crops in the Cauvery delta region have been significantly impacted by the heavy rainfall. Opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami has urged the state government to provide immediate relief to affected farmers. The IMD predicts heavy rainfall along the Tamil Nadu coast to continue until Sunday. Search and rescue efforts are underway in Sri Lanka after heavy rains resulted in missing persons.

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