Cyclone Fengal Triggers Heavy Rains In Tamil Nadu; Red, Orange Alerts Issued for 18 Districts

The depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal and the adjoining East Equatorial Indian Ocean is moving towards the Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka coasts and is expected to intensify further, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). It is likely to make landfall between Chennai and Puducherry in the coming days.

In its latest bulletin, the IMD stated, "The depression over central parts of the South Bay of Bengal and adjoining East Equatorial Indian Ocean is likely to move northwestwards and intensify into a deep depression within the next 24 hours. It will continue moving northwestwards towards the Tamil Nadu-Sri Lanka coasts over the subsequent two days."

The system was observed moving west-northwestwards at a speed of 30 km/h over the past three hours. As of 11:30 a.m. on November 25, it was centered over the Southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining East Equatorial Indian Ocean, near latitude 5.1°N and longitude 84.5°E. It is located approximately 530 km southeast of Trincomalee, 810 km southeast of Nagapattinam, 920 km southeast of Puducherry, and 1,000 km south-southeast of Chennai.

Rainfall Alerts for Tamil Nadu Districts

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has issued rainfall alerts for several districts across Tamil Nadu:

• Red Alert (Extremely Heavy Rainfall):

Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur districts, and the Karaikal region are under a red alert for Tuesday, November 26.
On Wednesday, November 27, the red alert extends to Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai districts and Karaikal.

• Orange Alert (Heavy Rainfall):

Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villuppuram, Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Sivaganga & Ramanathapuram districts and Puducherry are on orange alert on Tuesday.
Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villuppuram, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam & Pudukkottai districts and Puducherry are under an orange alert for Wednesday.

• Yellow Alert (Moderate Rainfall):

Kallakurichi, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli and Thoothukudi districts are on a yellow alert for Tuesday.
Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram districts will remain on a yellow alert on Wednesday.

The weather alerts indicate varying levels of rainfall and safety precautions: a Yellow Alert signifies moderate rainfall, urging people to be cautious in low-lying areas and carry essentials like umbrellas; an Orange Alert warns of heavy rainfall, advising individuals to stay indoors if possible, stock up on essentials, and prepare for potential disruptions; while a Red Alert indicates extremely heavy rainfall, with a strong recommendation to follow evacuation instructions, avoid travel, and prioritize safety.

Residents are advised to monitor updates, follow safety guidelines, and avoid unnecessary travel, especially in flood-prone areas.