Tamil Nadu: Floods Triggered By Cyclone Fengal Sweep Away Buses As Uthangarai Hit By Historic Rainfall — WATCH

Cyclone Fengal has caused severe flooding in Tamil Nadu, with parked buses being swept away in Uthangarai due to the overflowing Parasaneri Lake.

Cyclone Fengal has caused widespread disruption in Tamil Nadu, with severe flooding sweeping away parked buses in Uthangarai, Krishnagiri district. A video capturing the incident at the Uthangarai bus stand has gone viral on social media, showcasing the extent of the damage.

The Parasaneri Lake in Uthangarai overflowed following heavy rains, leading to floodwaters rushing onto the Tirupathur-Uthangarai road and washing away several parked vehicles. Uthangarai recorded 50 cm (503 mm) of rainfall as of 7 a.m. on Monday, the highest rainfall in the region, which caused significant inundation due to runoff from nearby lakes, the Hindu reported.

The cyclonic storm has also disrupted transport services, including flights and buses. A viral video posted on X showed historic rainfall in Uthangarai, with all nearby lakes and ponds filled to capacity. The video also highlighted the condition of the Salem to Tirupattur highway near the Uthangarai bus stand.

Cyclone Fengal: Floods In Krishnagiri's Uthangarai, Pochampalli

In response to the heavy rains, all five shutters of the Paambaru Dam were opened, releasing 15,000 cusecs of water to ensure the safety of the reservoir. This action prompted a flood alert for people living along the riverbanks. The Paambaru dam’s inflow surged due to rainfall in Uthangarai and the Javadhu hills in Tiruvannamalai, as per The Hindu's report.

The flooding disrupted road connectivity in the region, with the Uthangarai-Vellore and Uthangarai-Tiruvannamalai routes submerged. Several vehicles were swept off the roads by the floodwaters, while neighbouring Pochampalli received 250 mm of rainfall. Overflowing lakes in the area, including Konannur Lake, inundated shops and disrupted travel between Pochampalli and Thirupathur, as well as Pochampalli and Dharmapuri. Floodwaters also entered the Pochampalli police station.

Tamil Nadu’s Collector Sarayu informed The Hindu that the flooding was primarily caused by overflowing lakes, which led to inundation in surrounding areas. Over 80 people were evacuated to two relief centres in Uthangarai, while 240 people were moved to four relief centres in Pochampalli. There have been no casualties reported so far.

Cyclone Fengal: Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Visits Affected Areas In Chennai

In the wake of the flooding, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin visited various affected areas in Chennai and his Kolathur constituency. Speaking to the media on Sunday, he expressed satisfaction with the relief efforts undertaken by the state government and said that the people had provided positive feedback. "When it is raining, it may stagnate in a few places. Once rains stop, it may take 10-15 minutes for water to clear out," he said, as quoted by news agency IANS.

Stalin reassured the public, stating that the government was committed to assisting all citizens, regardless of their political affiliation. He also responded to criticism from Leader of Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami, accusing him of focusing solely on criticism. “The government is doing a job and is working not only for those who voted for the DMK but also for those who did not vote for us,” Stalin remarked, as per IANS.

In addition, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and several ministers were sent to Villupuram district, which was under a red alert for heavy rainfall. Other areas, including Chennai, Cuddalore, and Puducherry, were also expected to experience heavy showers, as forecasted by the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC).