Cyclone Fengal brings heavy rains to Sri Lanka and India's Tamil Nadu, Puducherry states

Authorities evacuate 471 residents from vulnerable areas such as Tiruvallur, Nagapattinam districts, to relief camps

The cyclonic storm Fengal has brought heavy rain and strong winds to India's Tamil Nadu and Puducherry states, severely disrupting daily life and prompting widespread safety measures.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the storm, currently hovering over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall near Puducherry by the evening of November 30, with wind speeds reaching up to 90 km/h.

In Tamil Nadu, the cyclone has caused significant disruptions, including the suspension of flight operations at Chennai Airport due to adverse weather.

Indigo Airlines temporarily halted its services, and flight schedules will resume only after the weather improves.

The state government declared a holiday for all educational institutions and urged IT companies to allow employees to work from home.

Public transport has been suspended along coastal routes, and beaches have been closed to visitors as part of precautionary measures.

Authorities have evacuated 471 residents from vulnerable areas, such as Tiruvallur and Nagapattinam districts, and relocated them to relief camps.

Emergency equipment, including boats, motor pumps, and generators, has been deployed, and rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), are on standby.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin reviewed disaster preparedness in Chennai, emphasizing coordinated efforts to manage the cyclone's impact.

In Puducherry, residents have been warned to stay indoors as authorities work to minimize potential damage. Control rooms have been set up, and evacuation efforts have focused on low-lying areas.

Over 12 lakh residents received SMS alerts urging vigilance.

Relief shelters have been equipped with food supplies to accommodate evacuees.

The storm has brought high tides and heavy rain, with deserted streets and waterlogged areas becoming a common sight.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has also faced significant challenges due to the adverse weather caused by a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal.

The Disaster Management Centre reported that 15 people have died, including six schoolchildren, while over 450,000 residents have been affected by floods, landslides, and high winds.

In a tragic incident, six students drowned in the eastern town of Sammanthurai while traveling on a tractor due to a shortage of buses.

A school principal and teacher have been arrested in connection with the tragedy.

While weather conditions are expected to improve in Sri Lanka as the storm moves toward India, northern and eastern regions may still experience heavy rain exceeding 100 mm and winds over 60 km/h in the coming days.

Previously, a powerful bomb cyclone battered northwestern US states, leaving over 500,000 households without power.

Furthermore, cyclone Asna moved 500 kilometers away from Pakistan's coastal city of Karachi in September and diminished into light rain.