Mon Dec 02 01:35:58 UTC 2024: ## Cyclone Fengal Pummels Tamil Nadu, Puducherry; Schools Closed, Army Assists in Evacuations

**Chennai, December 2, 2024** – Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall near Puducherry on November 30th, continues to wreak havoc across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, causing widespread flooding and prompting the closure of schools and colleges in several districts.

Torrential rainfall has paralyzed Puducherry, with the Indian Army deployed to rescue individuals stranded in inundated areas. Residents report the heaviest rainfall in three decades. Several districts in Tamil Nadu, including Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Krishnagiri, declared a complete holiday for educational institutions, while others closed only schools. Madras University has also postponed exams scheduled for December 2nd.

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin visited affected areas, inspecting flood relief measures and distributing essential supplies to those impacted. Krishnagiri and Tiruvannamalai districts bore the brunt of the rainfall, recording 24.2 cm and 22 cm respectively in just over 24 hours.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for several districts in Telangana, anticipating continued heavy rainfall. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) forecasts light to moderate rains in Chennai and surrounding districts through the morning. While Fengal has weakened, its lingering effects continue to pose significant challenges across the region.

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