Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin on Saturday reviewed the state’s preparedness as Cyclone Fengal approaches, with heavy rainfall expected over the next 48 hours. The cyclonic storm, currently over the Bay of Bengal, is forecast to make landfall near Puducherry on Saturday afternoon, November 30, with wind speeds reaching up to 90 kmph.
Several flights to and from Chennai have been disrupted due to the continuous downpour, prompting travel advisories for passengers. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for parts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry, warning of high tides and severe rainfall in the region.
Ananda Das, head of IMD’s Cyclonic Division, confirmed the red alert for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu, south Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and interior Karnataka. Dr. S Balachandran, director of Chennai’s Regional Meteorological Centre, stated that coastal districts, especially between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry, would bear the brunt of the storm, with wind speeds of 50-70 kmph and intense rainfall expected between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
As a precaution, schools and colleges in Puducherry and several Tamil Nadu districts, including Kanchipuram, remain closed. Additionally, the Puducherry fisheries department has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea and to relocate their boats and equipment to higher ground to prevent damage.
