Cyclone Fengal crossed the Tamil Nadu coast between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram on Sunday around 2 a.m., the India Meteorological Department said. The cyclone is expected to move west-southwest wards and weaken into a deep depression within six hours post-landfall.
The IMD has issued a red alert for Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and parts of Karnataka, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and wind speeds up to 70 km/h in coastal districts.
Chennai airport resumed flights at 4 a.m. following the brief suspension with passengers reporting late and canceled services. Meanwhile, relief works undertaken by Indian Army and the National Disaster Response Force initiated at 6:15 a.m and evacuated over 100 personnel within the first two hours.
Schools and colleges stayed closed in all Puducherry regions and also in most areas of the Tamil Nadu including Kanchipuram regions. Fishing communities were banned from coming ashore for fishing along with shifting fishery equipment and structures to deeper waters.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin reviewed state preparedness as heavy rainfall is expected for the next 48 hours. IMD officials emphasised potential flooding in coastal areas, high tides, and scattered heavy to very heavy rainfall. Coastal districts near the landfall point are expected to experience the brunt of the cyclone’s impact.
