A powerful cyclone named Fengal made landfall along the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast in India on Saturday evening, bringing with it heavy rainfall, strong winds, and widespread destruction. The cyclone has claimed at least 19 lives in India and Sri Lanka, with many more injured and displaced.
In India, the cyclone made its presence felt in the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Puducherry recorded 48.4 cm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, which is the highest 24-hour cumulative rainfall in the last 30 years.
The cyclone’s Impact was felt strongly in Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, where at least three people were killed in separate incidents. The city’s international airport was forced to suspend flight operations for several hours due to heavy rain and strong winds.
In neighboring Sri Lanka, the cyclone claimed at least 16 lives, with many more reported missing. The Sri Lankan government has deployed military personnel and disaster relief teams to affected areas to assist with rescue and relief efforts.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Rescue teams, including those from the Indian Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), have been working tirelessly to evacuate people stranded in flooded areas. In Puducherry, at least 100 people were rescued within two hours from the Krishna Nagar area, where over 500 people were stranded.
The Indian Army has also been involved in relief efforts, with teams distributing food, water, and other essential supplies to affected areas.
Flight Operations Resume
Flight operations at the Chennai International Airport resumed at 4 a.m. on Sunday after being suspended for several hours due to heavy rain and strong winds. However, flight operations remained affected due to heavy rain, with several flights delayed or canceled.
Weather Forecast
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has predicted “isolated heavy to very heavy” rainfall in Chennai for Sunday. Moderate rains with occasional intense spells are expected to continue over Cuddalore, Kallakurichi, and Villupuram districts.
Rough Sea Conditions
Rough sea conditions were seen on Chennai beaches, including Marina, Pattinapakkam, and Elliot’s beach. The Greater Chennai Corporation staff had to use JCB to clear beach sand that came to the Pattinapakkam beach road due to high tide.
Cyclone Fengal’s Path
According to the IMD, Cyclone Fengal remains stationary for the last six hours close to Puducherry. It is expected to move westward slowly and is likely to weaken into a deep depression over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the next six hours.
The cyclone’s path has been closely monitored by weather experts, who have warned of further heavy rainfall and strong winds in the affected areas.
Preparations and Precautions
The Indian government has taken several precautions to minimize the impact of the cyclone. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has been coordinating relief efforts with state governments and disaster response teams.
The IMD has also issued warnings to fishermen and coastal residents, advising them to stay indoors and avoid venturing into the sea.
Here’s an opinion from a resident of Chennai:
“I’m still trying to process the devastation caused by Cyclone Fengal. As a resident of Chennai, I’ve seen my fair share of cyclones and floods, but this one was different. The rain was relentless, and the wind was so strong that it shook our entire house. I was lucky to have a safe place to stay, but many of my friends and neighbors weren’t so fortunate. I saw people wading through chest-deep water, trying to reach safety. It was heartbreaking to see.The government’s response was slow, and it took them a while to deploy rescue teams and relief materials. But once they did, they did a great job. The Indian Army and the NDRF teams were amazing, risking their lives to rescue people stranded in flooded areas.As a resident of Chennai, I’m frustrated that we have to go through this every few years. We need better infrastructure and disaster management systems in place to mitigate the impact of cyclones and floods.But despite all the challenges, I’m proud of the way our city came together to support each other. Neighbors helped neighbors, and strangers became friends in the face of adversity. That’s the spirit of Chennai, and that’s what will help us rebuild and recover from this devastating cyclone.” – Ms. Byapti, Chennai resident.
As the situation continues to unfold, our thoughts are with those affected by Cyclone Fengal. We hope that the relief efforts will bring comfort and support to those in need. Stay tuned for more updates.
By Anusmita Bhatta
Reporting for True To Life News Media Pvt. Ltd.