Hovering over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the cyclonic storm 'Fengal' crossed the coastline nearing Puducherry. Over the next six hours, it is expected to gradually move westward, weakening into a deep depression over northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts. The Meteorological Department has forecasted heavy rainfall due to the cyclone affecting Tamil Nadu's coastal areas and Puducherry.
Chennai and its neighboring districts, along with Puducherry, experienced day-long rains on Saturday due to the cyclone, disrupting public transport including buses, trains, and air services. Residents from vulnerable coastal and sensitive areas of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have been relocated to safe shelters by rescue teams. The Indian Army's Chennai Garrison Battalion was deployed for rescue operations in flood-affected zones in Puducherry late on Saturday night.
Operating a rescue mission in Puducherry's Krishnanagar region, soldiers aided citizens trapped in approximately 500 residences, where water levels climbed to nearly 5 feet. More than 100 individuals have been rescued from high-water areas. After being shut for 16 hours due to the cyclone, Chennai Airport resumed operations at 4 AM on Sunday, though flights continued to be affected as conditions gradually normalized. According to the IMD, Cyclone Fengal continues its stand along northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts, projected to weaken into a deep depression by evening.
Stay Updated on Cyclone Fengal
1.
Moving gradually towards the west-southwest, this weather system is continually monitored with Doppler weather radars in Chennai and Karaikal. Since yesterday, Chennai (Meenambakkam and Nungambakkam weather stations) has received 11.4 cm of rain, whereas Puducherry recorded 39 cm of rain. Cuddalore reported 8.3 cm of rainfall. Chennai Airport had to cancel 55 flights and divert 19 others, including both domestic and international flights.
2.
Waterlogged hospitals and homes across Chennai and its peripheries forced people to use flyovers and underneath spaces as parking lots. The rainfall has tragically claimed three lives in separate incidents involving electric shock. The Greater Chennai Corporation has distributed meals to approximately 2.32 lakh people and accommodated around 200 citizens from low-lying areas in eight relief camps.
3.
Tamil Nadu Minister K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran stated that no immediate reports of significant damage have surfaced post-cyclone, and further details will likely emerge by Sunday. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Deputy Udhayanidhi Stalin reviewed the cyclone management preparations and performed on-site inspections. M.K. Stalin conducted a virtual meeting with district collectors from northern districts and top officials to assess the ground situation and interacted with affected individuals staying in a relief camp in Chengalpattu district.
4.
Udhayanidhi Stalin reported severe waterlogging at 334 locations across Chennai; 1,700 motor pumps are deployed at war footing for water drainage. Despite continuous rainfall, milk supply and sanitation services in Chennai remained operational. Power supply, severely affected by strong winds across most areas, is being progressively restored, with 18 disaster relief teams dispatched to sensitive zones.
5.
Officials reported no immediate substantial damage in neighboring Puducherry. Previously, the Union Territory administration had alerted 1.2 million residents via SMS to remain vigilant ahead of Cyclone Fengal's landfall. The Puducherry district collector designated all government/private colleges and private schools as relief camp sites until further notice.
