Cyclone Fengal intensifies, red alert issued for coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry

Cyclone Fengal intensified into a storm in the Bay of Bengal, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) confirming its formation at 2.30 pm on November 29. The storm, initially a deep depression, is expected to move northwest towards Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to several coastal districts in the region.
Speaking about the storm’s trajectory, Balachandran, Regional Meteorological Head, said, “The system lies about 350 km southeast of Puducherry and is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm in the next few hours. It is expected to cross between Karaikal and Puducherry by noon on November 30. We expect wind speeds of 70-80 mph, with gusts reaching 90-100 kmph at the time of crossing.”
In anticipation of severe weather, the Tamil Nadu government has issued precautionary advisories, urging construction companies to secure their equipment. Construction firms have been asked to lower cranes and other equipment that could pose a risk due to strong winds. Additionally, billboards have to be lowered or reinforced to avoid accidents caused by falling objects.
The cyclone is expected to bring moderate rainfall to northern Tamil Nadu, with some areas receiving heavy to extreme rainfall. Affected districts include Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengalpet, Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Mayiladuthurai.
The IMD and Tamil Nadu authorities are closely monitoring the storm, and teams remain on standby to provide assistance as needed. “We are fully prepared and will continue to monitor the situation closely,” Balachandran assured.
Local authorities have been quick to mobilise resources. The Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management Department has set up 2,229 relief centers in areas under heavy rain warning. Currently, 471 people from 164 families are in relief camps in Thiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts. The department is prepared for any further evacuations if needed.
In addition to relief camps, the state has deployed significant resources to manage potential flooding and damage. 1686 motor pumps, 96 JCBs, 120 boats, 130 generators, and 118 woodcutters stationed across Chennai. The department is also coordinating with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), with teams already deployed in key districts like Chengalpet, Villupuram, and Cuddalore.
Fishermen have been advised to stay off the sea as rough conditions are expected. All fishing boats are instructed to return to shore. As of now, 4153 boats that were out at sea have returned safely.
A red alert has been issued for several districts, including Chengalpet, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Puducherry, and Karaikal, with a forecast of severe weather today. A red alert has also been issued for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpet, Kanchipuram, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, and Puducherry tomorrow.