New Delhi: The deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal is expected to strengthen into Cyclone Fengal within the next 12 hours. Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are preparing for heavy to very heavy rainfall, with the possibility of Cyclone Fengal, a name suggested by Saudi Arabia. A red alert has been issued for the districts of Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Tiruvarur. Chief Minister M K Stalin assured that the state government is prepared to handle the rainfall and urged the public to “be safe while going out.”
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the deep depression moved north-northwest at 13 km/h over the past six hours and was centered at 5:30 AM IST today. IMD warned that it will continue to move north-northwest toward the Tamil Nadu coast, skirting Sri Lanka’s coastline over the next two days.
This will be the second cyclone of the post-monsoon season to impact the Indian coast, following Cyclone Dana, which crossed Odisha as a ‘severe’ storm in late October.
Tamil Nadu’s Preparedness for the Cyclone Fengal:
School and College Closures: Several districts in Tamil Nadu, including Tiruchirappalli, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Villupuram, and Tiruvarur, will have a rain holiday for schools and colleges in anticipation of heavy rainfall. Puducherry has also closed schools and colleges today, while only schools will remain shut in Chennai and Chengalpattu.
Fishermen Advisory: Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the southwest Bay of Bengal or along the coasts of Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu until November 29. Those already at sea should return to shore immediately.
First Response Measures: The government has prepared shelters, boats, JCBs, tree cutters, and generators. NDRF teams have been deployed to each district, and volunteers are on standby.
Impact of Heavy Rain in Tamil Nadu:Overnight rains in Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery delta region have impacted standing paddy crops, with several areas around Tiruvarur, Thiruthuraipoondi, Muthupettai, Mayiladuthurai, and Vedaranyam experiencing flooding. Rough estimates by farmers suggest that crops on at least 2,000 acres have been affected.
The IMD predicts localized flooding, waterlogging in low-lying areas, and the closure of underpasses, particularly in urban regions. Heavy rainfall may also reduce visibility at times.
Traffic disruptions are expected in major cities due to waterlogging, leading to longer travel times.
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