Cyclone Fengal nears Puducherry: Tamil Nadu issues red alert and safety measures in place
Cyclone Fengal, which intensified over the Bay of Bengal on November 29, is expected to make landfall near Puducherry on Saturday, November 30, 2024. According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, the storm will cross the coast between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram with wind speeds of 70-80 kmph, gusting up to 90 kmph. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts, warning of extremely heavy rainfall and high winds.
Severe Weather Warnings Across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
The IMD has forecast extremely heavy rain for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram districts, while heavy to very heavy rainfall is predicted in regions like Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Karaikal. The sea conditions remain rough, with authorities strongly advising fishermen to avoid venturing into the waters.
An official weather bulletin stated: “It is likely to move west-northwestwards and cross north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram close to Puducherry as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph during the afternoon of November 30.”
Government Takes Proactive Measures
In anticipation of the cyclone's impact, Tamil Nadu authorities have announced the closure of schools and colleges in Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and other affected districts on November 30. The Puducherry government has extended school and college closures to include November 29 as well.
Public transport services along key
