Cyclone Fengal: IMD Issues Red Alert For Tamil Nadu & Puducherry; Heavy Rains Expected From Nov 28
As the system progresses, heavy rainfall has already begun affecting several parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The heavy downpour has also caused significant crop damage.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm by the evening of November 28 or the morning of November 29. The storm with expected wind speeds of 65-75 kmph, gusting up to 85 kmph, is set to make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram on November 30.
The IMD stated that the weather system is currently moving north-northwestwards skirting the Sri Lankan coast. It is expected to cross the north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts as a deep depression, bringing wind speeds of 50-60 kmph, gusting to 70 kmph. Authorities have urged residents to brace for severe weather conditions and avoid venturing into the sea.
As the system progresses, heavy rainfall has already begun affecting several parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. According to the IMD, scattered heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in districts like Chennai, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Ariyalur, and Thanjavur. Extremely heavy rainfall is likely in isolated areas of Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, and Mayiladuthurai. Other regions, including Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, and Kallakurichi, are expected to witness heavy rains.
In Tamil Nadu, the heavy downpour has caused significant crop damage. Preliminary reports from the Agriculture Department indicate that standing crops across 13,749 hectares have been inundated due to relentless rains. In Thanjavur district alone, 947 hectares of crops have been submerged. Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, M.R.K. Panneerselvam, has highlighted the scale of damage and assured that necessary measures are being taken to support affected farmers, as per a report on The New Indian Express.
Meanwhile, Puducherry has also been hit by heavy rains, prompting precautionary measures. Schools and colleges in the Union Territory were closed on Wednesday, as confirmed by Education Minister Arumugam Namassivayam. The administration remains on high alert, closely monitoring the situation and preparing for any escalation in adverse weather.
The IMD has cautioned against potential flooding in low-lying areas and disruption to transportation and essential services due to the intense rainfall and wind. Coastal communities are being advised to remain vigilant, and fishermen have been warned to avoid venturing into the sea until further notice.
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