Cyclone Fengal: Red Alert in TN, Schools Closed, 2 Thousand Relief Camps in Place, Check Latest Weather Update

Cyclone Fengal is expected to make landfall today, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert in Tamil Nadu. Several coastal areas, including Puducherry, Karaikal, and Mahabalipuram, are bracing for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding. Landfall is expected near Puducherry on November 30, with winds reaching up to 90 km/h. Schools and colleges have been closed, and over 2,000 relief camps have been set up to manage the crisis. Let’s dive into the latest weather updates and preparations in place.

Red Alert for Southern States

The IMD has declared a red alert in Tamil Nadu, south Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and interior Karnataka due to the severity of Cyclone Fengal. Coastal districts like Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry are bracing for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, with wind speeds expected to reach up to 90 km/h. Gusts of 70 km/h have already been reported. The cyclone is set to bring the heaviest rain between 1 pm and 2 pm on Saturday.

School and College Closures

In anticipation of severe weather, schools and colleges across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh remain closed today, November 30. Districts like Chennai, Chengalpet, Kanchipuram, and Karaikal have declared a holiday for educational institutions. Puducherry has also extended the closure to include November 29.

Flight Disruptions Due to Cyclone Fengal

IndiGo Airlines has issued a travel advisory, warning passengers of delays and cancellations due to adverse weather in Chennai. Passengers are encouraged to check their flight status and reschedule if needed. The airline has assured travelers that refunds and alternative bookings will be provided for canceled flights.

Relief Camps and Government Preparations

The Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management Department has set up 2,229 relief camps across the state to assist those affected. Minister KKSSR Ramachandran assured the public of active monitoring and rapid response measures. He urged people in low-lying areas to stay cautious as the storm progresses. Disaster response teams are on standby to address any emergencies.

IMD’s Latest Weather Update on Cyclone Fengal

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD): “Cyclonic Storm ‘FENGAL’ over Southwest Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 12 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centred at 0530 hours IST of today, the 30th November 2024, over the same region near latitude 12.2°N and longitude 81.2°E, about 150 km east of Puducherry, 140 km southeast of Chennai, 210 km northeast of Nagappattinam and 400 km north of Trincomalee.

To move nearly westwards and cross north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram close to Puducherry as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph during evening of 30th November.”

Cyclone Fengal Helpline Numbers

To assist those impacted by Cyclone Fengal, the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management has activated toll-free helplines: 112 and 1077. Residents can also reach out via WhatsApp at 9488981070 for emergency support.