There is fear among the population regarding Cyclone Fengal. It is anticipated that Cyclone Fengal will move over the northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry this evening (November 30) with wind speeds ranging from 70-80 kmph. At the same time, most areas of Tamil Nadu are still experiencing heavy rains.
The Chennai International Airport has been temporarily shut down until 7 pm on Saturday because of adverse weather conditions. In contrast, all flights from Indigo Airlines have been redirected to Chennai. Heavy rains have led to schools in nine districts of Tamil Nadu being declared closed for the day. Fishermen have received a warning to avoid going out into the sea.
Heightened security measures at beach areas
Security has been strengthened along the coast of Puducherry by the administration. Kalaivannan, the Senior Superintendent of Police in Puducherry, toured beaches and coastal roads in the region. People in Tamil Nadu are being recommended to avoid going to beaches like Marina Beach, Pattinapakkam, and Edward Elliott Beach in Chennai. Tourist spots in Puducherry have been shut down as a precaution against cyclone Phailin. In Puducherry, 300 police officers have been stationed in coastal regions. As per IMD, Puducherry experienced moderate rainfall on Saturday morning. Markanam in Viluppuram, Tamil Nadu is experiencing ongoing heavy rain and strong winds. Trees in the Besant Nagar region of Chennai have been pulled out of the ground.
Roads flooded
Heavy rainfall has caused flooding on roads in Chennai. Many regions are struggling with waterlogging issues. New Washermanpet, Gemini Flyover, and Mount Road region are filled with water up to the ankle level. Because of the storm, the weather has shifted from rain and strong winds affecting the coastal regions. Chennai experienced significant rainfall from Friday night until this morning. As stated by the IMD, cyclone ‘Fengal’ initially moved towards the west-northwest in the southwest Bay of Bengal and is anticipated to make landfall on the north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts by tonight.
Red alert issued in many areas
The IMD said the IMD is continuously monitoring the cyclone with the help of Doppler Weather Radars at Chennai, Sriharikota and Chennai as well as satellite observations. According to the IMD, the cyclone will hit north Tamil Nadu this evening and a red alert has been issued in various parts of the southern states, including the coasts of south Andhra Pradesh.
