Sun Dec 01 06:12:38 UTC 2024: ## Cyclone Fengal Slams Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Leaving Trail of Disruption and Damage
**Chennai, India – December 1, 2024** – Cyclone Fengal made landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram on the Tamil Nadu coast early Sunday morning, bringing with it heavy rainfall, strong winds, and widespread disruption. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported wind speeds reaching 70-80 km/h, gusting to 90 km/h at the time of landfall. The storm is expected to weaken into a deep depression within the next few hours.
The impact of the cyclone was immediate and widespread. Chennai airport briefly suspended flight operations, leading to numerous delays and cancellations even after resumption at 4 am. Heavy rainfall caused severe waterlogging across Chennai, inundating several residential areas including Korattur, Velachery-Madipakkam, and Kodungaiyur. Rainwater also entered several buildings, including two state-run hospitals in Chromepet.
Tragically, three people were electrocuted in rain-related incidents in Chennai, including a migrant worker who died near an ATM. The Indian Army and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) launched joint rescue operations at 6:15 am, evacuating over 100 people in the first two hours. Similar rescue operations were also launched in Puducherry.
The IMD issued red alerts for several districts in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry, warning of extremely heavy rainfall and high tides. Schools and colleges remained closed in many areas on Saturday. Fishermen were advised not to venture into the sea. Train services were also affected, with some cancellations and diversions announced by Southern Railway.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, reviewed preparedness measures on Saturday in anticipation of the heavy rainfall. The storm’s impact is expected to persist for the next 48 hours, prompting continued concern and relief efforts.
First Piper 