Cyclone Fengal causes devastation across southern India, Sri Lanka

The storm brought the heaviest rainfall in 30 years to Puducherry, with Chennai also severely affected.

Listen to article

Cyclone Fengal killed at least 19 people in India and Sri Lanka and caused flooding in Tamil Nadu state and the Puducherry region after crossing India's southern coast from the Bay of Bengal.

Puducherry had been hit by the heaviest 24-hour rainfall in 30 years, India's weather office said on social media.

The cyclone left parts of the southern city of Chennai inundated. Flights from the city were temporarily suspended on Saturday, but had resumed as of early Sunday morning, India's airport authority said.

Visuals on local media showed gusty winds and heavy rainfall with roads submerged and boats being used to rescue people.

The Indian army was running relief operations in Puducherry for people in the eye of the storm, while rainfall eased in Chennai.

In Sri Lanka, 16 people were killed, with heavy rains affecting a total of 138,944 families, the latest data from the Disaster Management Centre in Colombo showed.

Cyclone Fengal, which originated from the Bay of Bengal, made landfall in Tamil Nadu and the Puducherry region, bringing intense rainfall, strong winds, and significant flooding. This marks the latest severe weather event to impact southern India, as authorities continue to prepare for the storm's aftermath.

According to India's weather office, Puducherry experienced its heaviest rainfall in 30 years, exacerbating the risk of flooding. The Indian city of Chennai saw parts of the city submerged, with rescue operations underway. Flights from Chennai were temporarily suspended on Saturday but resumed by Sunday morning.

The storm's slow movement has intensified its impact. Local media reports show flooded roads, and boats have been deployed for rescues. The Indian Army is actively involved in relief operations in the worst-hit areas. On the Sri Lankan side, the cyclone killed 16 people and affected over 138,000 families with widespread damage.

In response, Indian authorities have declared red alerts across seven districts in Tamil Nadu. The state government has shut schools and urged businesses to allow remote work, ensuring minimal disruption while keeping citizens safe.

Cyclone Fengal’s landfall brings to mind the destructive power of nature and underscores the vulnerability of communities along the coast. As the storm continues its path, the response to the disaster highlights the importance of preparation and resilience, with local leaders and residents working together to navigate the crisis. While the rainfall is expected to ease in some areas, the risk of flooding and infrastructure strain remains high.

Authorities continue to monitor the storm’s progress, hoping to prevent further loss of life and property. The cyclone serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and dangerous nature of these powerful storms.