As Cyclone Fengal moves closer to the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts, heavy rains accompanied by gusty winds have disrupted normal life in the region. The cyclonic storm, currently centered about 110 km southeast of Chennai, is expected to make landfall between Marakkanam and Mahabalipuram late tonight or in the early hours of December 1. The storm’s intensity, with wind speeds of up to 90 kmph, has led to widespread waterlogging, disruptions in transportation, and a heightened state of alert across affected areas.
Impact of Cyclone Fengal
Heavy rains began pounding Chennai and surrounding areas early Saturday morning, inundating several parts of the city. Over 134 locations in Chennai reported waterlogging, and seven key subways were closed. In response, Chennai Airport suspended operations from 12 PM to 7 PM, with flights diverted to Bengaluru and Tiruchirappalli. Suburban train services in Chennai are running at reduced frequency, while public transport along East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) remains suspended.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for seven districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore, as well as Puducherry. An orange alert is in place for districts like Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, and Mayiladuthurai. Experts warn that the delayed landfall of Cyclone Fengal could result in intensified rainfall across North Tamil Nadu and parts of Puducherry, raising concerns about flooding and further disruption.
Preparations and Relief Measures
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin reviewed the situation at the State Emergency Operations Centre. He confirmed that relief camps and food distribution centers have been set up for vulnerable areas. As of now, 471 individuals from 164 families have been accommodated in six relief centers in Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts.
To minimize risks, the Tamil Nadu government declared November 30 a holiday for educational institutions and urged IT companies to allow employees to work from home. Construction companies have been advised to secure machinery, and advertisement hoardings have been inspected for safety. Public access to beaches and recreational areas has been restricted.
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) deployed 22,000 personnel to manage rain-related issues. Over 1,686 motor pumps, including tractor-mounted heavy-duty models, are operational to address waterlogging. Meanwhile, reservoirs like Chembarambakkam and Poondi received significant inflows, with Chembarambakkam now at 62% of its storage capacity.
Rainfall and Damages
Chennai and its northern suburbs have experienced intense rainfall, with Kathivakkam recording the highest rainfall at 12 cm as of Saturday morning. Other areas like Kolapakkam, Meenambakkam, and Nungambakkam reported rainfall ranging between 8 and 10 cm. Low-lying regions such as Madipakkam saw residents parking vehicles on higher ground as precautionary measures.
The cyclone’s impact has also been felt along the coastline, where rough seas have prompted police to block access to beaches, including Marina and Mamallapuram. Barricades have been set up to ensure public safety. Fallen trees have caused temporary obstructions, but the GCC reported that five out of nine fallen trees have already been cleared.
Transportation and Public Services
Despite the heavy rains, essential services like state-run milk supply and power distribution remain largely unaffected. Chennai Metro Rail services are operational without glitches, though parking areas at some stations are prone to inundation.
In contrast, suburban train services between Chennai Beach and Velachery have been suspended, and Express/Superfast trains are experiencing delays. Flight operations at Chennai Airport have been severely impacted, with at least 18 flights canceled and 12 delayed. IndiGo Airlines has temporarily suspended operations, pending weather improvements.
Forecast and Ongoing Concerns
The IMD predicts that Cyclone Fengal will cross between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram with wind speeds of 70-90 kmph. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in Tamil Nadu’s interior regions on December 1, with isolated heavy showers persisting through December 2 and 3. Weather bloggers anticipate the heaviest rainfall to occur between Marakkanam and Pulicat as the storm shifts more northward.
Government Appeal and Public Cooperation
The Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority has urged the public to stay indoors and cooperate with disaster prevention measures. Relief teams, including National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, are on standby across affected districts. Equipment such as boats, generators, and motor pumps has been pre-deployed to handle emergencies.
The state government continues to monitor the situation closely, with senior officials coordinating efforts at district levels. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and adhere to official advisories as the region braces for Cyclone Fengal’s impact.
