Sat Nov 30 12:16:45 UTC 2024: ## Tamil Nadu Braces for Cyclone Fengal Landfall; Schools Closed, Work-From-Home Urged

**Chennai, November 29** – Tamil Nadu is on high alert as Cyclone Fengal intensifies, threatening landfall near Puducherry around midday on November 30. Authorities have implemented widespread precautionary measures to minimize the impact of the storm, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall and winds gusting up to 90 km/h.

Schools and colleges in Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu are closed on November 30th. Public transport along key routes, including the East Coast Road and Old Mahabalipuram Road, has been suspended during the storm’s peak. The state government has also urged IT companies to allow employees to work from home to avoid unnecessary travel.

Over 4,100 fishing boats have returned to port, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed to affected areas. A total of 2,229 relief camps have been set up statewide, with 471 individuals already seeking refuge. Construction companies have been instructed to secure equipment and infrastructure.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with further rainfall expected inland until December 3. The storm is predicted to bring steady winds of 70-80 km/h with gusts up to 90 km/h at landfall. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories.

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