Sun Dec 01 11:36:41 UTC 2024: ## Puducherry Battered by Cyclone Fengal: Record Rainfall Leads to Widespread Flooding and Army Rescue Operations

**Puducherry, India –** Cyclone Fengal unleashed record-breaking rainfall on Puducherry, leaving the union territory in a state of emergency. The cyclone made landfall on the night of November 30th, bringing torrential downpours that crippled the city and surrounding areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a staggering 46 cm of rainfall in the 24 hours leading up to December 1st – the highest in 30 years.

The deluge submerged vehicles, inundated homes, and uprooted trees across the city. Power outages affected most localities starting at 11 pm on November 30th, leaving many residents stranded in flooded homes for hours. Shops and businesses remained closed, forcing the government to establish relief centers for those evacuated from low-lying areas.

The Indian Army launched rescue operations early on December 1st, evacuating over 100 people. Local authorities, police, and specialized rescue teams are working alongside the army to reach affected residents, with ongoing efforts in areas like Jeeva Nagar. Organizations such as Pondicherry Heritage Round Table 167 are providing food and other aid to those in relief camps.

The severe weather caused extensive damage to infrastructure and agriculture. Main roads and arterial routes were flooded, disrupting public transportation. Farmlands suffered significant losses due to the inundation. The IMD’s Additional Director General, S Balachandran, stated that the cyclone’s landfall occurred between 5:30 pm and 11:30 pm on November 30th and is expected to weaken.

Nearby Mailam in Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram district also experienced extreme rainfall, recording 50 cm in the same period. The impact extended to Chennai Airport, where 24 domestic flights were cancelled and 26 international flights delayed due to the severe weather. Operations at the airport have since resumed. Residents describe the event as the worst weather in over three decades.

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