Sat Nov 30 12:16:10 UTC 2024: **Cyclone Fengal Intensifies, Red Alert Issued for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry**
CHENNAI, INDIA – Cyclone Fengal is rapidly intensifying and is expected to make landfall near Puducherry by Saturday evening, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for heavy rainfall across parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
The IMD predicts wind speeds of up to 90 kilometers per hour at landfall, accompanied by high waves and torrential rain. As a precautionary measure, schools and colleges have been closed, and public services suspended in several affected areas. Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors.
The impact of the cyclone is already being felt, with heavy rain lashing Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister, Udayanidhi Stalin, has provided live updates on the situation, expressing gratitude to volunteers working on the ground and assuring the public that the government is taking all necessary precautions.
The IMD director-general, Mrityunjay Mahapatra, warned of potential landslides and damage to infrastructure due to strong winds. The storm has already disrupted travel and daily life, with flight cancellations and train services suspended in Chennai. Chennai airport was temporarily closed from 12 pm to 7 pm on Saturday.
The IMD has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in several districts including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, and Puducherry. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also predicted for other areas. The Puducherry fisheries department has advised fishermen to stay ashore. The IMD continues to monitor the cyclone’s movement and will provide further updates.
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