Sat Nov 30 03:27:29 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 heavy rain, strong winds, and the potential for significant damage. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts, including Chennai, and an orange alert for others.
The cyclone is forecast to pack winds of 70-80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph. Heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall, is anticipated across numerous districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Coastal areas are already experiencing high tides and changing weather conditions.
Schools and colleges are closed today in several affected districts. Authorities have deployed the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state disaster response teams, and have pre-positioned equipment such as boats, generators, and tree cutters. Fishermen have been urged to bring their boats ashore and avoid venturing into the sea due to rough seas and strong winds.
The IMD’s Regional Meteorological Centre director, Dr. S Balachandran, warned of potential damage to telecommunication lines and flooding in low-lying areas, with the coastal districts expected to bear the brunt of the impact.
Puducherry has established toll-free helplines (112 and 1077) and a WhatsApp number (9488981070) for distress calls, and has prepared over 2,200 relief camps. Over 4,000 boats have already been secured. The situation remains critical, and residents are advised to heed all official warnings and instructions.
First Piper 