Sun Dec 01 03:16:37 UTC 2024: ## Cyclone Fengal Pummels Chennai, Leaving Three Dead

**Chennai, Tamil Nadu, December 1, 2024** – Cyclone Fengal made landfall near Puducherry late Saturday, November 30th, unleashing torrential rain and fierce winds across coastal districts of north Tamil Nadu. The storm caused widespread flooding, transportation disruptions, and tragically, three rain-related fatalities in Chennai.

The cyclone, the second to form in the Bay of Bengal this season, brought wind gusts up to 90 km/h. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai reported that the cyclone’s advance spiral bands reached the coast by 7 p.m., with landfall occurring over the next few hours. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue into Sunday, although intensity will depend on cloud cover.

Chennai Airport was shut down, resulting in the cancellation of over 226 flights and the diversion of 20 more to airports as far away as Guwahati. The airport remained closed until 4 a.m. Sunday. Suburban train services were severely affected, with lines between Chennai Beach and Velachery suspended, and other routes experiencing delays and cancellations due to waterlogging. Chennai Metro Rail services, however, continued to operate normally.

The city experienced widespread waterlogging, with at least 53 major roads and seven subways inundated. Many residents stayed indoors as arterial roads were deserted. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) deployed 1700 workers and machinery to tackle the flooding. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin stated that 334 locations across the city experienced waterlogging, with relief efforts underway.

Three deaths were reported due to electrocution in rain-related incidents. The Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority (TNSDMA) activated its helplines to address water supply disruptions and sewage overflows.

Neighboring Puducherry also suffered heavy rains, prompting the union territory administration to issue SMS alerts to over 12 lakh residents. Chief Minister N. Rangasamy visited affected areas and confirmed the deployment of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in relief efforts.

The impact of Cyclone Fengal extended beyond Chennai. Significant temperature rises were reported in Telangana, attributed to the cyclone’s activity. The Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister extended the deadline for electricity bill payments in affected districts. Flight disruptions were also reported in Hyderabad, with cancellations and diversions due to adverse weather. The storm also affected train services, with cancellations and diversions announced by Southern Railways. Schools and colleges in several districts were closed as a precaution.

While the immediate aftermath saw significant disruption, authorities are working tirelessly to restore normalcy and aid affected citizens. The TNSDMA and other agencies have activated emergency helplines to aid residents.

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