Sun Dec 01 10:22:49 UTC 2024: ## Cyclone Fengal Pummels Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Coasts, Causing Widespread Flooding and Airport Closure
**Chennai, India –** Cyclone Fengal made landfall near Puducherry on Saturday evening, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds gusting up to 90 kmph, and widespread flooding across northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the landfall process began around 5:30 pm and lasted approximately four hours.
The storm’s impact was immediate and significant. Severe waterlogging forced the temporary closure of Chennai International Airport, with operations resuming only at 4:00 am on Sunday. The IMD issued red alerts for several districts, including Chennai, while orange alerts were issued for others. Schools and colleges were closed as a precaution.
The Indian Army responded swiftly to the crisis, deploying a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) unit to Puducherry at 2 am on Sunday to assist with flood relief efforts. Rescue teams used boats to evacuate people stranded in flooded areas. The Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority (TNSDMA) also deployed multiple disaster relief teams and established numerous relief centers across affected regions. Over 470 people have been moved to safety.
The IMD warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall and potential inundation in low-lying areas, urging residents to stay indoors and fishermen to remain ashore. Authorities also advised against visiting beaches and tourist spots. While there were no immediate reports of major damage, the storm’s impact on infrastructure and daily life remains substantial. Train services were also reduced due to the severe weather. Airlines reported flight disruptions due to the inclement weather in the region.
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