Cyclone Fengal Approaches Tamil Nadu: Heavy Rainfall Forecast; Schools, Colleges Shut In Six Districts
Cyclone Fengal Approaches Tamil Nadu: Heavy Rainfall Forecast; Schools, Colleges Shut In Six Districts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cyclone alert as a deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into Cyclone Fengal on Wednesday, November 27. The storm is predicted to bring heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and parts of Andhra Pradesh.
Educational Institutions Closed
In light of the impending cyclone, authorities in Tamil Nadu have declared a holiday for schools and colleges in six districts—Trichy, Ramanathapuram, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Thiruvallur.
Cyclone’s Path and Current Status
The deep depression, located approximately 670 km southeast of Chennai, is moving north-northwestward toward Tamil Nadu while skirting Sri Lanka’s coast. As of Wednesday morning, it was situated 190 km southeast of Trincomalee, 580 km south-southeast of Puducherry, and 670 km south-southeast of Chennai.
“It is very likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm on November 27 and continue moving north-northwestward toward the Tamil Nadu coast over the next two days,” the IMD stated in a social media update.
Severe Weather Conditions Expected
Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is forecasted across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Winds ranging from 45-55 km/h, with gusts reaching 65 km/h, are expected along the eastern coast. Additionally, rough seas pose a risk of flooding in low-lying areas, potentially disrupting marine activities.
Tamil Nadu CM’s Preparations
In response to the cyclone warning, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin held a high-level meeting with officials, including district magistrates from Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, and Cuddalore. The Chief Minister instructed officials to prepare for rescue operations and ensure public safety.
“As heavy rain warnings have been issued, I convened a meeting with district collectors to ensure readiness and have directed ministers to work from the field. The government is prepared to face the rain. I urge the public to exercise caution when venturing out,” Stalin posted on social media.
Two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed to Tamil Nadu, with a total of 17 teams stationed across Chennai, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, and Thanjavur. These teams will support local authorities in rescue and relief operations.
Moderate rainfall has already affected several areas, including Chennai and nearby districts like Chengelpet, Kanchipuram, and Tiruvallur. Other impacted regions include the northern coastal city of Cuddalore and the Cauvery delta areas like Nagapattinam.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, urging residents in vulnerable areas to stay alert as the cyclone approaches.
