Sat Nov 30 19:46:33 UTC 2024: ## Cyclone Fengal Makes Landfall Near Puducherry, Triggering Widespread Disruptions in South India

**Chennai, Tamil Nadu, November 30, 2024** – Cyclone Fengal made landfall near Puducherry on November 30th, 2024, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and widespread disruptions across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and parts of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for several regions, warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.

Wind speeds reached 70-80 kmph, gusting up to 90 kmph, at the time of landfall. Chennai and Puducherry experienced significant rainfall, with Puducherry reporting 14.4 cm and Chennai’s Meenambakkam and Nungambakkam areas recording 11.4 cm and 10.4 cm respectively. The IMD predicted that the cyclone would move west-southwestwards and cross the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram.

The impact of the cyclone led to significant disruptions:

* **Chennai Airport:** Operations were temporarily suspended until 4:00 AM on December 1st, resulting in numerous flight cancellations and diversions. At least 55 flights were cancelled and 19 diverted.
* **Transportation:** Waterlogging led to the closure of several subways in Chennai. The Chennai Metro Rail issued advisories regarding waterlogged stations and parking lots. Road closures and traffic disruptions were reported across affected areas. Train services were also affected.
* **Infrastructure:** Reports of uprooted trees and waterlogged areas emerged from various cities. The heavy rain and wind caused flooding in several low-lying areas.
* **Relief efforts:** The Tamil Nadu government and Puducherry administration took precautionary measures, including setting up relief camps and sending SMS alerts to residents. While initial reports indicated no major damage, a full assessment was expected by Sunday.

The IMD continues to monitor the situation and provide updates. While the immediate impact was most severe in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, neighboring states also experienced heavy rainfall and disruptions due to the cyclone’s indirect effects. The IMD has warned of continued heavy rains in several districts of Andhra Pradesh and issued yellow alerts for Kerala and Karnataka.

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