Cyclone Fengal: Heavy rains disrupt Tamil Nadu, Puducherry
Heavy rains continue to batter Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as Cyclone Fengal hovers over the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the cyclone will make landfall near Puducherry this afternoon.
In response, Chennai airport has suspended flight operations, and the Tamil Nadu government has declared a holiday for educational institutions. IT companies have been advised to allow employees to work from home. Public transport services are suspended on the East Coast Road and Old Mahabalipuram Road. Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management, KKSSR Ramachandran, has urged people to avoid beaches and amusement parks.
Authorities have relocated 471 people from 164 families to six relief centers in Tiruvallur and Nagapattinam districts. Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), are stationed in vulnerable areas, equipped with boats, generators, and motor pumps.
Chief Minister MK Stalin reviewed preparedness at the Disaster Management Control Room in Chennai, while KKSSR Ramachandran led a meeting to assess the situation. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in parts of Tamil Nadu on December 1, with isolated heavy showers forecast for December 2 and 3.
In Puducherry, authorities have heightened alert levels. Beaches have been closed, and fishermen are advised against venturing into the sea. “For the past four days, we have deployed staff at beaches. High waves have forced closures, and the public is urged to stay away,” Puducherry SSP Kalaivanan told PTI.
