As Cyclone Fengal moves closer to the coast, authorities in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are on high alert. The storm is predicted to make landfall on Saturday afternoon, November 30, close to Puducherry.
The interior and coastal portions of Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh are expected to see heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, accompanied with wind speeds of 70 to 90 kmph, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). All Puducherry schools and institutions are closed for the day, and district authorities have asked citizens to stay inside.
For public assistance, emergency helplines have been established, including toll-free numbers 112 and 1077 as well as a WhatsApp helpline at 9488981070. Up to 2,229 relief camps are prepared to house evacuees, and 4,153 fishing boats have been hauled ashore.
164 households and 471 individuals have been moved to six relief camps in the districts of Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam thus far. In districts that are susceptible, such as Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore, and Chennai, disaster response teams, including those from the National and State Disaster Response Forces, have been stationed.
The IMD predicts that Cyclone Fengal will continue to strengthen before reaching land. With extensive rainfall already recorded in several places, coastal districts including Karaikal, Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry would be most affected.
Additionally, portions of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka are under a red alert. According to the IMD, southern Kerala and Karnataka will have heavy rains through December 1, while interior Tamil Nadu will see severe rains starting on November 30.
Authorities are still keeping an eye on the situation and are advising locals in high-risk regions to exercise caution and heed safety warnings. Rescue and relief efforts are prepared to handle any crises that may arise from the cyclone’s landfall.