Cyclone Fengal: Weather Report For Tamil Nadu; Train Services Resume In Chennai

Cyclone Fengal struck the Tamil Nadu coast between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram at around 2 am on Sunday. After making landfall, it was expected to move west-southwestwards but remained stationary near Puducherry for six hours. This led to a temporary suspension of operations at Chennai airport, which resumed around 4 am. Despite this, passengers faced delays and cancellations.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted that Cyclone Fengal would weaken into a deep depression after crossing the North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts late Saturday night. Wind speeds reached 70-80 kmph, with gusts up to 90 kmph along the coastal districts of north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh.

Relief Efforts and Evacuations

In response to the cyclone's impact, a relief operation led by the Indian Army and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) began early Sunday morning. Over 100 individuals were evacuated within the first two hours. The Indian Army's efforts focused on flood-hit areas in Puducherry, successfully evacuating hundreds from submerged regions like Krishna Nagar and Kuber Nagar.

Puducherry experienced its highest rainfall in three decades, recording 48.4 centimeters over 24 hours until December 1. This resulted in extensive flooding, prompting continuous rescue efforts. Cuddalore district also faced significant flooding, with NDRF teams using boats for rescues.

Weather Warnings and Precautions

The IMD issued a red alert for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in parts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and interior Karnataka. Schools and colleges in Puducherry and various Tamil Nadu districts, including Kanchipuram, were closed on Saturday. Fishermen were advised against venturing into the sea and instructed to move their boats to higher ground.

A Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) column was deployed in Puducherry as heavy rainfall was expected on Sunday with moderate rain forecasted for December 2. The Indian Navy also activated a comprehensive disaster response plan in anticipation of the cyclone's impact.

Impact on Transport and Infrastructure

Three individuals were electrocuted in Chennai due to rain-related incidents. Flight operations faced significant disruptions with numerous flights to and from Chennai being canceled or diverted. Local train services in Chennai resumed on December 1 as efforts continued to clear waterlogged areas including major roads and hospitals.

The cyclone's movement westward brought heavy rainfall to Andhra Pradesh's coastal and Rayalaseema regions. Additionally, Bengaluru experienced a notable drop in temperatures due to the storm's influence, with forecasts predicting further decreases over the next two days.

Cyclone Fengal's impact has been widespread across several states causing severe weather conditions and disruptions. Authorities continue their efforts to manage the situation effectively while ensuring public safety remains a priority.