Cyclone Fengal: Schools Closed In Tamil Nadu, Puducherry As Heavy Rainfall Expected

Schools and colleges in certain areas of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry were closed today as heavy rainfall was expected due to Cyclone Fengal developing over the Bay of Bengal.

In Chennai, Chengalpattu, and Cuddalore, educational institutions will remain shut on Friday, while those in Puducherry will be closed on both Friday and Saturday.

Photo Credit: PTI

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that a deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal is moving north-northeast and is anticipated to strengthen into a cyclonic storm.

"It was centred at 23:30 IST yesterday, approximately 240 kilometres northeast of Trincomalee, 330 kilometres east-southeast of Nagappattinam, 390 kilometres southeast of Puducherry, and 430 kilometres southeast of Chennai," the IMD stated.

The system is expected to cross the coasts of north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, close to Puducherry, early on Saturday as a depression, with winds between 45-55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph.

Rain Forecast in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, already experiencing continuous rainfall in recent days, are bracing for more downpours as Cyclone Fengal nears the coasts near Chennai.

The IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ariyalur, and Thanjavur districts on both Friday and Saturday, with similarly heavy rain expected in Puducherry.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy have both chaired meetings to assess the situation and ensure preparedness for the storm and heavy rainfall.

How Cyclone Fengal Was Named

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) oversee the naming of tropical cyclones.

Cyclone names are chosen from pre-designated lists compiled by regional bodies, which are proposed by the national meteorological services of member countries. Factors such as ease of pronunciation, cultural relevance, and uniqueness are considered.

The WMO explained that assigning names to cyclones makes it easier to track and discuss multiple storms at once. Fengal's name was suggested by Saudi Arabia.