Sun Dec 01 06:36:38 UTC 2024: ## Cyclone Fengal Pummels Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Leaving Trail of Destruction

**Chennai, December 1, 2024** – Cyclone Fengal slammed into the coasts of North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry late Saturday night, bringing torrential rainfall, strong winds, and widespread flooding. The storm, which made landfall between 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. with wind speeds reaching 90 kmph, caused significant disruption across the region.

Puducherry bore the brunt of the storm, recording an unprecedented 46 cm of rainfall in the 24 hours leading up to Sunday morning. Mayilam in Villupuram district experienced even heavier downpours, with 50 cm of rain. Chennai also suffered significant flooding in several areas, including Korattur, Koyambedu, and T. Nagar. Chennai airport temporarily suspended operations but resumed at 1 a.m. on December 1st.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued warnings of extremely heavy rainfall for Puducherry on Sunday, with moderate rainfall expected on December 2nd. North Tamil Nadu also experienced heavy to very heavy rainfall. The IMD’s elaborate cyclone warning system, established in 1865 following devastating storms, was instrumental in alerting authorities and the public.

The Indian Army swiftly deployed troops to Puducherry to assist in rescue operations, particularly in the severely flooded Krishna Nagar area, where hundreds of residents were stranded. High tides and rough seas battered Chennai’s beaches, requiring municipal cleanup efforts.

While the cyclone is expected to weaken gradually, the aftermath continues to pose challenges. Schools and colleges in Puducherry remain closed as relief centres are set up to accommodate those affected. Three deaths have been reported in Chennai due to rain-related incidents. This is the second cyclone to impact the Bay of Bengal this season. The total damage assessment is ongoing.

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