Cyclone Fengal Highlights: Cyclonic storm fengal crosses Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts, Weakens gradually

Fishermen have been advised by the IMD to stay off the sea due to high waves and rough conditions, leading to boats being docked for safety.

High tides have struck Chennai’s Marina Beach as Cyclone Fengal continues to gain strength. The IMD forecasts that the depression will move closer to Puducherry in the coming hours.

Heavy rainfall on Thursday caused significant damage to paddy crops in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu. Over 800 acres of paddy fields were completely submerged, leaving farmers facing severe losses. The areas most affected include Kamashwaram, Virundhamavadi, Pudupalli, Vedrappu, Vanamadevi, Vallapallam, Kallimedu, Eeravayal, and Chemboadi.

The IMD has issued warnings for rough sea conditions and advised fishermen to stay ashore. Along with gusty winds, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall, particularly in coastal areas. As the depression moves northwest, residents in the affected regions are urged to stay vigilant and follow safety instructions. Coastal authorities have been placed on high alert as the system nears landfall.

Chennai is experiencing high tides and strong winds due to the deep depression forming over the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that the depression, moving northwest, is expected to make landfall along the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast, between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, near Puducherry, by the morning of November 30. The system is likely to weaken into a depression, bringing wind speeds of 45-55 km/h, with gusts up to 65 km/h. Coastal areas, particularly around Chennai, are already feeling its impact.

The deep depression is expected to continue moving northwest and make landfall near Puducherry between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram by the morning of November 30, with winds of 55-65 km/h, gusting up to 75 km/h.

The Deep Depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal has been moving north-northwest at 7 km/h over the past 6 hours, according to IMD. As of 5:30 AM IST on November 29, 2024, it is located near latitude 10.4°N and longitude 82.7°E, around 260 km northeast of Trincomalee, 310 km east of Nagapattinam, 360 km southeast of Puducherry, and 400 km southeast of Chennai.

Authorities have issued warnings for fishermen and coastal residents to stay alert as the system approaches. Coastal districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, especially around Karaikal and Puducherry, are expected to experience heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough sea conditions.

The depression is expected to make landfall near Puducherry, between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, by the morning of November 30. Once it reaches the coast, the system will bring moderate winds of 45 to 55 km/h, with gusts up to 65 km/h, accompanied by heavy rainfall along the coastal areas.

Initially, Cyclone Fengal, was expected to strengthen into a cyclonic storm after midnight on Thursday, and was forecast to bring heavy to moderate rainfall to Tamil Nadu’s coastal districts over the next 2-3 days. The deep depression in the southwest Bay of Bengal is moving north-northwestward, near the Sri Lanka coast, and is predicted to weaken into a depression now. It is expected to make landfall on the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts, between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, by the morning of November 30.

Due to a heavy rainfall warning, schools in at least 11 districts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Nagapattinam, will remain closed on November 29. In Chennai and Chengalpattu, only schools will be shut, while in other areas such as Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, Thiruvallur, Villupuram, Puducherry, and Karaikal, all educational institutions will be closed.

Cyclone Fengal is predicted to strengthen over the next 48 hours, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding to Tamil Nadu’s coastal areas. Authorities have issued warnings and advised residents in vulnerable, low-lying regions to stay alert and follow safety guidelines. The public is urged to take necessary precautions to minimize the impact of the storm.

Relief vehicles are being stocked with crucial supplies such as food, drinking water, and medicines. Additionally, specialized Flood Relief Teams (FRTs) are being deployed to high-risk areas to assist with emergency response efforts.

The Indian Navy on Thursday launched a full disaster response plan as Cyclone Fengal strengthened in the Bay of Bengal. The Eastern Naval Command, working with the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area headquarters, has set up a strong system to deal with the possible impact of the cyclone. The Navy is focusing on providing help to people in need, including rescue operations, and is coordinating closely with state and local authorities to ensure a quick and effective response.