Cyclone Fengal is set to make landfall along Tamil Nadu’s coast Saturday evening, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for Tamil Nadu, South Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and parts of Karnataka due to the threat of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Ananda Das, Head of the IMD Cyclonic Division, reported that as of this evening, the cyclone was positioned 300-350 km off the Tamil Nadu coast and has intensified into a cyclonic storm. Landfall is anticipated near Puducherry, with wind speeds expected to range between 70-80 km/h, gusting up to 90 km/h.
“Coastal districts of North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh are likely to experience heavy to extremely heavy rainfall during the landfall. Interior Tamil Nadu will also witness significant rainfall on November 30, and heavy downpours are expected in Kerala and interior Karnataka until December 1,” Das said.
In response to the approaching cyclone, the Puducherry Fisheries Department has issued a stern advisory to fishermen, urging them not to venture into the sea and to move their boats and equipment to safer grounds to avoid damage. Similarly, the Puducherry Port has raised “Warning Signal Number 7,” indicating that the cyclone is likely to cross near the port.
The IMD confirmed earlier today via a social media update: “The Deep Depression over Southwest Bay of Bengal intensified into Cyclonic Storm FENGAL at 2.30 pm today, November 29.”
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu is already reeling from the cyclone’s impact. Heavy rains on Thursday submerged over 800 acres of paddy fields in Nagapattinam district, leaving farmers in despair. The affected areas include Kamashwaram, Pudupalli, Vallapallam, and Vanamadevi, among others.
Authorities have warned residents in low-lying and coastal areas to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions as Cyclone Fengal could bring flooding, rough seas, and widespread disruption. Emergency response teams have been deployed, and precautionary measures are underway to minimize the cyclone’s impact.
(Inputs from ANI)
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