Sat Nov 30 02:19:35 UTC 2024: ## Cyclone Fengal to Slam Tamil Nadu, Puducherry Coast; Red Alert Issued

**Chennai, India –** Cyclone Fengal is expected to make landfall along the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram this afternoon, bringing with it wind speeds of 70-80 km/h, gusting up to 90 km/h, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced. A red alert has been issued for several districts, prompting widespread school and college closures and precautionary measures.

The IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall in several districts across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore districts in Tamil Nadu, along with Puducherry, are under a red alert. An orange alert is in effect for other districts, including Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, and Vellore.

Authorities are taking proactive steps, with schools and colleges closed in affected areas. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state disaster response teams are deployed, and essential equipment, including boats and generators, are on standby. Fishermen have been warned to stay ashore and secure their vessels.

Dr. S Balachandran, director of the Regional Meteorological Centre (Chennai), warned of potential damage to telecommunication lines and flooding in low-lying areas, particularly impacting coastal districts.

Puducherry has established toll-free helplines (112 and 1077) and a WhatsApp number (9488981070) for distress calls, with over 4,000 boats already returned to shore and relief camps prepared. The impact of Cyclone Fengal is expected to be significant, and residents are urged to heed all warnings and instructions from local authorities.

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