Sat Nov 30 21:26:54 UTC 2024: ## Cyclone Fengal Pummels Chennai, Disrupts Life, Claims One Life

**Chennai, November 30, 2024:** Cyclone Fengal made landfall near Puducherry on Saturday, bringing torrential rain and strong winds to Chennai and surrounding areas, causing widespread flooding and disruption. The impact was severe, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of flights at Chennai airport which was shut down from 12:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Suburban train services between Chennai Beach and Velachery were also suspended.

Heavy rainfall inundated numerous areas, uprooting trees and scattering barricades. Even though authorities warned against venturing near the coast due to high tides, many, especially young people, disregarded the warnings and flocked to beaches like the Mamallapuram World Heritage site. Coastal areas like Marakkanam in Villupuram district experienced particularly strong winds.

Two government hospitals in Chromepet, a general hospital and a chest and respiratory disease facility, were flooded, with ankle-deep water inside affecting patients, staff, and doctors. Authorities deployed sandbags to mitigate further flooding. Several roads, including Anna Salai, experienced significant flooding and damage to infrastructure. One migrant worker reportedly died after being electrocuted while attempting to withdraw cash from an ATM during the storm.

The Greater Chennai Corporation deployed 22,000 personnel, including engineers, officials, and sanitation workers, utilizing 1,686 motor pumps of varying capacities to address the flooding. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red alerts for several districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, predicting extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds up to 90 km/h. The IMD also predicted heavy rainfall in parts of Andhra Pradesh.

The impact on daily life was significant, with schools and colleges closed in several districts and the Madras University postponing its distance mode examinations. Authorities urged residents to stay indoors. Fishing communities were advised not to venture into the sea. The state government, through the Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, thanked volunteers working on the ground and assured the public of continued efforts to manage the situation. The IMD warned of potential landslides and damage to infrastructure from strong winds. The cyclone is expected to gradually weaken as it moves inland.

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