Red Alert: Cyclone Fengal To Hit Tamil Nadu’s Coast

The southwest bay of Bengal has now swelled up into Cyclone Fengal from a very deep depression. It is expected to make landfall on Friday, November 29, along Tamil Nadu's southeastern coastline. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has further warned that there could be extensive rain, strong winds, and inclement sea conditions that possibly gravely impact coastal districts.

Cyclone Fengal To Hit Tamil Nadu’s Coast

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Reports say that as of Wednesday morning, the cyclone was located about 130 km east-southeast of Trincomalee in Sri Lanka, 400 km southeast of Nagapattinam, and 590 km south-southeast of Chennai. This cyclone is also reported to have been moving arm-in-arm toward north-northwest at a speed of 13 kmph and is expected to build momentum with the wind speed reaching around 85 kmph, as it gets closer to the land.

Coastal Areas Brace For Impact

For these reasons, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, and Karaikal are on red alert from IMD. People living in these areas should be ready for very heavy rain and possible flooding, especially in low-lying places. According to certain reports, heavy rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, is to fall across places like Chennai, Puducherry, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Thanjavur.

The meteorological department has said that several interior districts like Coimbatore, Madurai, and Thoothukudi can expect light to moderate rain, with occurrences of thunderstorms. The fishermen should refrain from venturing into the sea due to the conditions existing in Bay of Bengal where "very rough sea conditions" with perilously high waves have been generated. 

Schools And Colleges Closed

In a safety measure, many schools and colleges in several districts including those in Chennai, Trichy, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, and Puducherry have been closed.

Preparedness Measures In Full Swing 

As per reports, disaster management teams have been deployed to susceptible places; they have arranged temporary shelters for the evacuees as well. They are stocking food, water, and medical aid in the affected districts to minimize disruption.

Authorities in the Cauvery delta area should maintain a high state of alert. Residents are also advised to stay at home, avoiding any unnecessary travel, as transportation might be interrupted as a result of the cyclone.

Rain And Thunderstorms 

The cyclone will not only affect the coastal areas but also its land sites in Tamil Nadu. The prediction indicates that moderate to heavy rainfall would hit the areas of Sivagangai, Perambalur, and Kallakurichi. These areas, along with other adjacent areas, are likely to yield thunderstorms and lighting. Localized flooding is also to be anticipated by the civil population.