Cyclone Fengal struck near Puducherry on November 30 and has now emerged as a depression but has caused widespread disruption in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Heavy torrential rains have been experienced today with flooded houses, closed electricity supply, and stretching losses. Here is a detailed report on the situation.
Current Cyclone Status
The IMD said that Cyclone Fengal became a depression on Sunday and has been slowly moving westward over the northern coastal Tamil Nadu. This is expected to degenerate into a well-marked low-pressure area over the next twelve hours.
However, the remnants of the cyclone are expected to move westward and emerge over the southeast and east-central Arabian Sea near Kerala and Karnataka coasts by December 3. Despite its weakened state, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall continues to affect the cyclone-hit regions.
Weather Conditions and Alerts
- Villupuram and Cuddalore districts in Tamil Nadu recorded some of the highest rainfall, with Uthangarai in Krishnagiri district reporting an exceptional 50 cm of rainfall in the last 24 hours.
- Rainfall levels in other areas include Kedar (42 cm) and Soorapattu (38 cm), both in Villupuram.
- Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall warnings remain in effect for Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and South Interior Karnataka, with isolated areas expected to experience rainfall exceeding 200 mm.
Flood Risk and Warnings:
- Flash flood warnings have been issued for Kerala’s districts of Kasargod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Palakkad.
- Low-lying areas in Tamil Nadu, including Villupuram and Dharmapuri, face localised flooding and waterlogging.
- Bengaluru and southern Karnataka are experiencing mild to intensive rainfall with cloudy weather. The Indian Meteorological Department has put out an orange warning for parts of southern Karnataka and a yellow warning for the coastal belt for the next 48 hours.
Temperature Forecast for Bengaluru:
» Maximum temperature: ~23°C
» Minimum temperature: ~20°C
Major Disruptions
Scary visuals coming from Uthangarai, Krishnagiri district. Once in a lifetime historic rains of 500mm recorded. Super rare to see such numbers in interiors.
Why slow moving cyclones are always dangerous. #CycloneFengal #Tamilnadu #Floods #Krishnagiri pic.twitter.com/K8Jla22VUc— Chennai Weatherman (@chennaisweather) December 2, 2024
Flooding and Evacuations:
- Flooding in the NR Nagar area has displaced residents of the Union Territory of Puducherry, and homes have been flooded.
- Temporary shelters have also been arranged for the victims, with food being provided in the form of packed meals by voluntary agencies and the state government.
Railway Disruptions:
- Bridge 452, located in Vikravandi in Tamil Nadu, was closed by Southern Railways since the water was above the danger mark.
- A few express trains have been fully cancelled or diverted. Particularly, the passengers are encouraged to check updates before travelling.
Search and Rescue Efforts:
- The NDRF and other rescue groups are operating in Tamil Nadu’s Annamalaiyar Hill to address the state’s concern that seven people have been buried by mudslides.
- Currently over 50 residents in the threatened areas have been relocated for their safety.
Impact on Puducherry
Cyclone Fengal's landfall near Puducherry caused significant damage:
- Fatalities: Four people died from cyclone-related causes.
- Infrastructure Damage: Blackouts were felt all over the region, but efforts are being made to restore power supply. The substations were flooded, and some pumps are being used to drain water out of them.
Flooded Areas:
Many parts of the city were submerged, with some areas of Venkata Nagar, Kamaraj Nagar, and Vallalar Salai residential colonies affected and people locked in their houses.
There was some looting; some shops were broken into, and water generated from the rainfall flooded roads and public infrastructure.
For more news on Cyclone Fengal ,read: Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on High Alert as Cyclone Fengal Approaches Landfall
Government and Administrative Agencies & Call Centre Response
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Assessment:
The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, went to Marakkanam in the Villupuram district, which was affected by the cyclone; interacted with the stranded people; and checked the relief operations carried out in the calamity-affected area.
தொடர் கனமழையினால் பாதிக்கப்பட்டுள்ள செய்யூர், மரக்காணம், விக்கிரவாண்டி, #விழுப்புரம், திருக்கோவிலூர், திண்டிவனம் ஆகிய பகுதிகளை நேரில் பார்வையிட்டு வெள்ளச்சேதம் மற்றும் மீட்பு நடவடிக்கைகளை ஆய்வு செய்தேன்.
நிவாரண முகாம்களில் தங்கவைக்கப்பட்டுள்ள மக்களுக்கு ஆறுதல் தெரிவித்து… pic.twitter.com/aFeGN0d9fI— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) December 2, 2024
Relief Operations:
- NDRF and Army people are evacuating the flood-affected regions and shifting people to safer places.
- Puducherry district collector A. Kulothungan confirmed that relief camps are in place, with food and medical supplies for the displaced.
Damage Assessment:
The Puducherry Chief Minister, Mr. N. Rangasamy, said that a detailed report on the losses was being prepared to approach the Union government for funds.
Key Developments Across Regions
Tamil Nadu:
- Uthangarai recorded the highest rainfall in the state, with 50 cm in 24 hours, causing widespread inundation.
- Landslides and flooding in Villupuram and Krishnagiri districts have isolated several villages and snapped road connectivity.
Kerala:
- Red alerts are in effect for districts including Kasargod, Kannur, and Wayanad, with the IMD predicting extremely heavy rainfall.
- Flash floods and waterlogging are anticipated in hilly and urban areas.
Karnataka:
- Bengaluru continues to experience heavy rains, disrupting traffic and raising concerns over waterlogging in low-lying areas.
Safety and Advisory
- Do not travel to flooded areas unless it is necessary and follow the advice of local authorities.
- Maintain food, water, first aid, and necessary papers in emergency kits for the home, office, and car.
- Check official sites of weather departments for information on new forecasts or weather alerts.
Two days heavy rainfall warning for Tamilnadu, Puducherry & Karaikal area pic.twitter.com/Iqkrv1zevv— Tamilnadu Weather-IMD (@ChennaiRmc) December 2, 2024
The situation is still dire, and governmental organisations and search and rescue parties continue trying to reach the distressed zones. More details are expected as the cyclone gradually loses intensity.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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