Sat Nov 30 08:56:46 UTC 2024: ## Cyclone Fengal Forces Chennai Airport Closure, Schools Shut as Heavy Rains Lash Tamil Nadu
**Chennai, India –** Cyclone Fengal is set to make landfall on the Tamil Nadu coast between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram this Saturday evening, bringing with it torrential rain and strong winds. The impending cyclone has already caused widespread disruption across the region, including the temporary closure of Chennai airport and the suspension of local train services.
Heavy rainfall began Saturday morning, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for seven coastal districts. Chennai airport shut down operations from 12:30 pm to 7:00 pm due to anticipated high crosswinds, impacting numerous flights, including an IndiGo flight diverted to Bengaluru. Airlines raised safety concerns leading to the closure.
In response to the severe weather, the Tamil Nadu government has taken preventative measures. All schools and colleges in Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu districts are closed. IT companies have been advised to allow employees to work from home. Public transport on major roads, including the East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), has been suspended. Over 2,220 relief camps have been established across the state, with hundreds already accommodated. The government has also removed billboards to prevent accidents. Emergency helpline numbers 112 and 1077 are operational.
The neighboring union territory of Puducherry is also experiencing heavy rains and has closed schools and colleges. Evacuations from low-lying areas have taken place, and tourist areas, including the beach road, are closed. The Indian Navy’s flood relief teams are deployed in vulnerable areas. Local authorities have also pre-positioned equipment including motor pumps, generators, and boats. The cyclone is expected to bring winds of up to 90 kmph to the Puducherry coast.
First Piper 