Cyclone Fengal Update: Fierce Rain and Squally Wind to Hit Tamil Nadu and Puducherry: Cyclone Fengal will likely cross the northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts around the afternoon of 0300 Hrs on 30th November. According to the IMD, the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal will turn into a cyclone in the next few hours. After that, it is expected to move between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram with sustained winds of 50 to 60 km/h and gusts nearing 70 km/h.
The storm’s development has already resulted in precipitation in some regions. That is why schools and colleges in Puducherry will be closed today because of the storm’s implications. The region has had heavy rainfall already, with Puducherry and Karaikal measuring 7.5 cm and 9.5 cm, respectively, in the last 24 hours. The IMD predicted that inundation would persist in coastal regions in Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, and Cuddalore districts besides Puducherry, with more heavy rain expected over the next 24 hours.
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Government agencies are starting measures, and Puducherry’s Chief Minister has instructed officials to evacuate people from flood-prone regions and establish primary relief Centres. The Coast Guard educates fishermen and links with agencies in Tamil Nadu for help for seamen. Various flights have been affected by IndiGo, and several flights bound for and from Chennai, Madurai, and other affected destinations have been delayed due to the poor weather experienced.
The Cauvery Delta region of Tamil Nadu and other areas have been affected by floods in recent years, badly affecting paddy fields and salt pans. According to the IMD, there is a reduction in cyclone strength once the storm comes inland, but it warns citizens of persistent heavy rain and their effects within the next few days.