Cyclone Fengal: Tamil Nadu, Puducherry Govts Order Residents To Stay Indoors, Issue Safety Directives — Details

Cyclone Fengal: In Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, residents are urged to avoid stepping outdoors except for essential activities. It has also been advised to avoid visiting beaches and amusement parks.

In the event of heavy rainfall predictions, Tamil Nadu has announced slews of precautionary measures to avoid any untowards incidents on Saturday.

Source : PTI

As Cyclone Fengal advances toward the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has observed significant changes in weather conditions in the region. The cyclone is expected to make landfall on November 30, 2024, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to several areas.

The IMD has predicted wind speeds ranging from 70-80 kmph, with gusts up to 90 kmph, particularly in Villupuram, Mayiladuthurai, and surrounding districts. Heavy rains are also expected to lash these areas.

The IMD statement noted that as of 2:30 AM IST on November 30, Cyclone Fengal was located over the Southwest Bay of Bengal near latitude 11.9°N and longitude 81.5°E. The cyclone lay approximately 370 km north of Trincomalee, 210 km northeast of Nagapattinam, 180 km east of Puducherry, and 190 km southeast of Chennai. The storm is forecast to move west-northwestward and cross the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry by the afternoon of November 30.

In the event of heavy rainfall predictions, Tamil Nadu has announced slews of precautionary measures to avoid any untowards incidents on Saturday.

Cyclone Fengal: Key Precautionary Measures

• Holidays Declared for Educational Institutions: To ensure safety, holidays have been declared for all schools and colleges in Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu districts. Students have been advised to avoid gatherings, including special classes and exams. District Collectors in other regions with heavy rain alerts have been given discretion to declare holidays as required.
• IT Sector Work-from-Home Advisory: IT companies in affected districts have been requested to allow employees to work from home on Saturday to minimize travel risks.
• Suspension of Public Transport: Public transportation services along the East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) will be temporarily suspended on November 30, coinciding with the storm's landfall.
• Public Safety Instructions: Residents are urged to avoid stepping outdoors except for essential activities. The Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority has emphasized avoiding beaches, amusement parks, and outdoor entertainment areas. Citizens are requested to cooperate fully with government disaster management initiatives.

 

Puducherry's Preparedness

In Puducherry, the administration has advised residents to remain indoors. Schools and colleges have been shut in the union territory. Puducherry government has issued emergency helplines with toll-free numbers 112 and 1077 and a WhatsApp helpline at 9488981070 for assistance.

Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay vigilant and adhere to all government advisories to ensure safety during the cyclone's impact.