With wind gusts of up to 90 km/h, Cyclone Fengal over the Bay of Bengal is expected to make an impact on Saturday afternoon, November 30, close to Puducherry. This development has prompted the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for portions of Tamil Nadu. Ananda Das, chief of the IMD Cyclonic Division, said the storm is presently 300–350 km off the coast of Tamil Nadu and is heading west-northwest.

Strong winds and exceptionally heavy rains are expected to have the most severe effects at landfall in the coastal areas between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram. Up to December 1, it is also anticipated that interior Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala may get sporadic heavy to extremely heavy rains.

S. Balachandran, head of the IMD Regional Meteorological Centre, has issued a warning that wind gusts might reach 90 km/h by Saturday afternoon after reaching 50–60 km/h on Friday. Heavy rainfall affected the impacted areas between 1:00 and 2:00 pm, potentially causing extensive disruption. Further rains are expected after a break in the evening and night.

Preparations and Emergency Measures for Cyclone Fengal

Officials in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh are on heightened alert, putting disaster response measures in place to reduce the effects of Cyclone Fengal.

• The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has dispatched teams to at-risk districts such as Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, and Cuddalore. Essential equipment like boats, generators, and motor pumps for disaster response has been strategically positioned ahead of time.
• Emergency contact numbers have been established by the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management, including toll-free lines (112 and 1077) and a WhatsApp helpline (9488981070) to support residents during the cyclone.
• The fisheries department in Puducherry has warned fishermen to remain ashore and to move their boats and gear to safer locations.

Moreover, relief centers in Tamil Nadu have provided shelter to 471 individuals from 164 families in the Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam regions.

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Disruptions and Warnings

• School Closures: Due to warnings of heavy rainfall, schools and colleges in Tamil Nadu, including the Kanchipuram District, as well as those in Puducherry, will be closed on Saturday.
• Flight Disruptions: Airlines like IndiGo have warned passengers of possible delays or cancellations for flights traveling to and from Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, and other impacted airports.
• Cyclone Alerts for Andhra Pradesh: Cyclone warnings have been issued for districts in Andhra Pradesh such as Nellore, Tirupati, and Chittoor, with forecasts indicating extremely heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours.

Puducherry and Tamil Nadu Preparedness

A. Kulothungan, the district collector, is working together with the police and local administration in Puducherry to guarantee readiness. Disaster management measures are in place to handle any floods and wind damage, and schools and universities in the area have been shuttered.

State and municipal authorities are urging residents to exercise caution as severe weather conditions associated with Cyclone Fengal are predicted in coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, including Kamashwaram, Virundhamavadi, and Vedrappu.

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