New Delhi:
India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for heavy rain in several parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as Cyclonic storm ‘Fengal’ over the Bay of Bengal is expected to make landfall on Saturday afternoon, close to the coastal areas of Puducherry.
The approaching storm, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds with a speed up to 90 Kmph, has led to the closure of schools and colleges in several parts of the state and the halt of public services.
The IMD issued a red alert for very heavy to extremely heavy rain on Saturday in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villuppuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore districts, and Puducherry.
IMD also predicted heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places over Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam districts and Karaikal area.
“Cyclonic Storm ‘Fengal’ over Southwest Bay of Bengal near latitude 11.8°N and longitude 81.7°E, about 210 km southeast of Chennai. To move west-northwestwards and cross north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram close to Puducherry as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph during the afternoon of 30th November,” IMD said in an official statement.
Flight Operations Suspended At Chennai Airport
As a precautionary measure to the cyclonic storm, all arrival and departure flights have been cancelled at the Chennai Airport, the authorities said on Saturday, adding that the restrictions will imposed till 7 pm. Earlier, IndiGo airlines also suspended flight services in Chennai.
“IndiGo Airlines has temporarily suspended all arrival and departure flight operations at Chennai Airport due to adverse weather conditions. Flight operations will resume once the weather improves, prioritising the safety of passengers and crew. We recommend passengers check with their respective airlines for real-time updates,” the Chennai Airport authority said.
Coastal Roads Closed, IT Employees Asked For WFH
In view of the changing weather conditions due to the cyclonic storm, the Tamil Nadu government directed authorities to suspend public transport movement on key roads, including the East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), during the afternoon of November 30.
The routes running close to the coastal areas are temporarily suspended for vehicular movement to mitigate the risk posed by the cyclonic storm, said the government, adding that the step will prevent danger to life by strong winds and heavy rain during the landfall process.
Additionally, the state government also directed the IT companies to allow their employees to opt for work from home on November 30. The step was taken to reduce the number of people commuting during the storm’s peak hours.
Cyclone Fengal, which intensified into a cyclonic storm on November 29, is predicted to make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry around midday, the IMD said.
Advisory Issued For Fishermen, Relief Camps Installed
The state authorities have issued advisories for fishermen and residents, urging them to stay alert as the cyclonic storm approaches. The coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, especially around Karaikal and Puducherry, are expecting rough sea conditions, strong winds, and rainfall.
With preparations in place, the Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management Department set up 2,229 relief camps across the state, ensuring that resources are available for those who may need shelter during the storm’s landfall time. Similar preparations were seen across Puducherry.
SSP Puducherry, Kalaivanan said, “For the last four days we have been deploying police personnel along the beach and apart from this we are also informing the fishermen and people living in low-lying areas to be careful. Fishermen are not venturing into the sea. Since last night, we have closed all the beaches. We have deployed nearly 300 personnel across all the beaches of Puducherry and we are coordinating with NDRF also.”
Till now, 471 people from 164 families have already been accommodated in relief camps in Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts, said the local authorities, who have also deployed essential equipment, including motor pumps, generators, and boats, to affected regions such as Chennai, Cuddalore, and Mayiladuthurai.
