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Fengal Cyclone LIVE Updates: Schools and educational institutions in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry remain closed as armed forces stay on standby for emergency rescue ops
Cyclone Fengal formed in the Bay of Bengal. (PTI Photo)
The deep depression brewing over the Southwest Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm on Friday afternoon as it nears the northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts, said India Meteorological Department (IMD).
According to the weather agency and ISRO, the system is expected to cross the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram region as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 70-80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph during November 30 afternoon.
Earlier, the IMD said the deep depression was likely to weaken into a depression as it approaches the northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts.
The system is projected to make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, near Puducherry, by the morning of November 30. Upon landfall, the system will bring strong winds, along with heavy rainfall in the coastal regions.
Authorities have issued warnings for fishermen and coastal residents to remain cautious. Coastal districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, especially around Karaikal and Puducherry, are expected to experience rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas as the system approaches.
Meanwhile, schools and educational institutions in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry remain closed.
The IMD noted that the deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal moved north-northeastwards at 9 km/h over the past six hours and was centered at 2330 hours IST on November 28, 2024, near latitude 10.1°N and longitude 82.8°E. It was located about 240 km northeast of Trincomalee, 330 km east-southeast of Nagapattinam, 390 km east-southeast of Puducherry, and 430 km southeast of Chennai. The system is expected to continue moving northwestward, maintaining its deep depression intensity until November 29, and is likely to cross the northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, close to Puducherry, by the morning of November 30 with wind speeds of 45-55 km/h, gusting to 65 km/h. The IMD is continuously monitoring the situation.
Earlier on Thursday, Cyclone Fengal caused significant damage to paddy crops in Tamil Nadu’s Nagapattinam district, where over 800 acres of crops were submerged, causing distress to farmers. Affected areas include Kamashwaram, Virundhamavadi, Pudupalli, Vedrappu, Vanamadevi, Vallapallam, Kallimedu, Eeravayal, and Chemboadi.
A senior IMD official mentioned that moderate rainfall is expected to spread across most parts of Tamil Nadu, with fairly widespread rainfall anticipated.
The Indian Navy has activated a comprehensive disaster response plan in preparation for Cyclone Fengal’s intensification. The Eastern Naval Command, in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area (HQTN&P), has implemented a robust disaster response strategy, focusing on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief (HADR), and search and rescue (SAR) operations. Naval personnel are working closely with state and civil authorities to ensure rapid response capabilities. Relief materials, including food, water, and medicines, are being dispatched, and specialized Flood Relief Teams (FRTs) are being deployed in vulnerable areas.
Cyclone Fengal is expected to intensify over the next 48 hours, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding to Tamil Nadu’s coastal regions. Authorities have urged residents in low-lying and coastal areas to remain alert and follow safety guidelines.
(With inputs from ANI)