Cyclone Fengal: Flights Disrupted, Educational Institutions Closed, Heavy Rain Alert, TN and Puducherry Brace for Onslaught

Cyclone Fengal: As Cyclone Fengal brews over the Bay of Bengal, Chennai and parts of Tamil Nadu are bracing for its impact. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rain across the region, prompting a series of precautionary measures. From flight cancellations to school closures, authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure public safety. The latest cyclone news highlights how Tamil Nadu is preparing for this challenging weather event.

Flights Disrupted Amid Heavy Rain

The approach of Cyclone Fengal has already disrupted air travel. Major airlines, including IndiGo, have issued advisories warning of delays and cancellations for flights operating to and from Chennai, Tuticorin, and Madurai. Passengers are urged to check flight statuses regularly to avoid last-minute inconveniences.

The relentless heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu has not only impacted air travel but also disrupted daily life. In Chennai, residents are grappling with waterlogged streets and snarled traffic, underscoring the city’s vulnerability to such extreme weather events.

Educational Institutions Closed

To ensure public safety during the onslaught of Tamil Nadu heavy rainfall, schools and colleges in Chennai, Chengalpet, Cuddalore, and Mayiladuthurai have been ordered to close. The neighboring union territory of Puducherry has followed suit, with Education Minister Arumugam Namassivayam declaring holidays for all government and private schools, as well as colleges in Puducherry and Karaikal.

These closures come as a necessary step to protect students and staff amid the worsening weather conditions caused by Cyclone Fengal. However, they also highlight the broader disruptions the storm is causing across Tamil Nadu.

IMD's Latest Update on Cyclone Fengal

The IMD reports that the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal is intensifying into a cyclonic storm. As of early Wednesday, it was located approximately 590 km south-southeast of Chennai and moving north-northwest at 13 kmph.

The forecast indicates that Cyclone Fengal will strengthen further over the next 12 hours before skirting the Sri Lanka coast and advancing toward Tamil Nadu. Residents should prepare for at least three days of heavy rain, strong winds, and possible disruptions to power and transportation. Staying updated with reliable cyclone news is essential during this time.

Government Steps Up Preparations

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has assured the public that the government is fully prepared to handle the situation. “As heavy rain warning has been issued, I have held a review meeting with the District Collectors of Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur and Cuddalore to be ready and to instruct the Ministers to work from the field,” he tweeted.

The CM also urged residents to exercise caution while venturing out and emphasized the importance of staying informed through official updates. Emergency services are on high alert, and shelters are being set up in vulnerable areas.