Sun Dec 01 08:16:36 UTC 2024: ## Cyclone Mandous Pummels Puducherry, Triggers Heavy Rainfall Across Tamil Nadu

**Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, India –** Cyclone Mandous made landfall near Puducherry between 10:30 PM and 11:30 PM on December 9th, bringing with it winds gusting up to 90 km/h, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The cyclone, which initially had winds of 70-80 km/h, weakened into a deep depression after landfall, moving west-southwest.

The IMD reported extremely heavy rainfall in several locations across Tamil Nadu, particularly along the northern coastal regions. Mayiladuthurai in Villupuram district recorded an unprecedented 50 cm of rainfall, while Puducherry saw a record-breaking 46 cm—surpassing the previous high of 21 cm in 2004. The IMD reported a total of 3 locations with extremely heavy rainfall, 6 with very heavy rainfall, and 20 with heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours.

At 7:00 AM on December 10th, the IMD located the cyclone 30 km north of Cuddalore and 40 km east of Villupuram, moving slowly westward and expected to further weaken into a low-pressure area within six hours. A red alert for extremely heavy rainfall was issued for several districts including Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Puducherry. The IMD warned of heavy rainfall continuing until December 3rd.

The heavy rainfall led to widespread flooding, particularly in Puducherry’s Krishna Nagar and Rainbow Nagar areas, where streets were submerged and the army was deployed for rescue operations. Residents reported unprecedented flooding, with ground floors of homes inundated. The Puducherry administration urged citizens to stay indoors overnight. Approximately 4,000 government employees were mobilized for relief and rescue efforts, with shelters established for affected individuals.

The severe weather conditions also impacted Chennai airport, causing the cancellation of 226 flights and the diversion of 20 others. Airport operations resumed at 1:00 AM on December 10th. Reports from the ground detail downed trees and knee-deep flooding in several areas.

The IMD continues to monitor the situation and issue updates as the cyclone dissipates.

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