CycloneFengal begins landfall near Puducherry Tamil Nadu

“Cyclonic storm Fengal has commenced making landfall close to Puducherry and it may approximately take 4 hours for it to cross the coast completely,” an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official said on Saturday (November 30, 2024).The Hindu reported.

Citing data and observations, IMD-Regional Meteorological Centre, Additional Director General, S. Balachandran told PTI that the process of the cyclone’s landfall commenced at about 5.30 p.m. on November 30, 2024.

Puducherry administration sent SMS alerts to around 12 lakh residents cautioning them to remain vigilant in view of the approaching cyclonic storm Fengal. Chief Minister N. Rangasamy visited the rain-affected areas to review the steps taken by the Disaster Management department, especially in accommodating those evacuated from low-lying areas into relief centres.

The Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai, has maintained its red weather alert for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villuppuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore districts, and Puducherry on Saturday (November 30, 2024).

Chennai airport on Saturday (November 30, 2024) announced suspension of operations till 4 a.m. on December 1, 2024, following heavy inundation of runways and the taxiway, with over 50 flights being cancelled and scores of passengers left in the lurch. 

Chennai MRTS services have also suspended its operations. Fewer buses were seen on the roads.