Cyclone Fengal : Landfall complete, Chennai airport reopens; storm remains static near Puducherry

Cyclone Fengal completed the landfall process on Sunday around 2 am as it crossed the Tamil Nadu coast between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, the IMD said.

After making landfall, Cyclone Fengal is forecasted to move west-southwestwards and gradually weaken into a deep depression within the next six hours.

After a brief suspension, the Chennai airport resumed flight operations on Sunday at around 4 am. However, flyers complained of delayed and cancelled flights even after the operations resumed.

On Saturday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin reviewed the preparedness as the state is likely to receive heavy rainfall for the next 48 hours given Cyclone Fengal.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) also issued a red alert for several parts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry. The region is predicted to experience weather changes, including high tides and heavy rainfall.

IMD head of Cyclonic division Ananda Das said a red alert has been issued in view of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several parts of Tamil Nadu, south Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and interior Karnataka.

“Mostly coastal districts, with the crossing point between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry, will experience more impact. There will be wind and rainfall. Today, wind speeds reached 50-60 km/h, gusting to 70 km/h. Between 1 pm and 2 pm, there will be extremely heavy rainfall. At many places, there will be scattered heavy to very heavy rainfall,” the director of the regional meteorological centre of Chennai, Dr S Balachandran said.

All schools and colleges remained closed on Saturday in Puducherry and various districts of Tamil Nadu, including Kanchipuram.

Meanwhile, the Puducherry fisheries department has issued an advisory for fishermen, urging them not to venture into the sea as Cyclone Fengal approaches. The advisory also instructed fishermen to move their boats and equipment to higher ground to prevent damage.

Cyclone Fengal updates: Here are some quick points

Chennai Airport resumed flight operations on Sunday at around 4 am.

IMD predicted heavy rainfall in Puducherry on Sunday and “moderate” rain for December 2.

A red alert has been issued in view of heavy to extremely heavy rainfalls in several parts of Tamil Nadu, South Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and interior Karnataka.

Coastal districts of North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh will receive heavy rainfall on November 30.

All schools and educational institutes will remain closed in Puducherry and parts of Tamil Nadu.

The IMD has also advised the fishermen not to venture into the sea in the districts most likely to be impacted due to Cyclone Fengal.

The affected areas include Kamashwaram, Virundhamavadi, Pudupalli, Vedrappu, Vanamadevi, Vallapallam, Kallimedu, Eeravayal, and Chemboadi.

The Department of Revenue and Disaster Management has set up toll-free numbers 112 and 1077 to receive distress calls from the public. People can also seek help through the WhatsApp number 9488981070.

As of now, a total of 471 people belonging to 164 families have been accommodated in six relief centres in Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts.

The Indian Navy on Thursday also activated a comprehensive disaster response plan as Cyclone Fengal intensifies in the Bay of Bengal.

Cyclone Fengal: Do’s and Dont’s

Check the house; secure loose tiles and carry out repairs of doors and windows

Remove dead branches or dying trees close to the house; anchor removable objects such as lumber piles, loose tin sheets, loose bricks, garbage cans, sign-boards etc. which can fly in strong winds

Keep some wooden boards ready so that glass windows can be boarded if needed

Keep a hurricane lantern filled with kerosene, battery-operated torches and enough dry cells

Demolish condemned buildings

Keep some extra batteries for transistors

Keep some dry non-perishable food always ready for use in emergency

One must remain in the shelter until informed that you can return to your home.

One must get inoculated against diseases immediately.

Strictly avoid any loose and dangling wires from lamp posts.

If you have to drive, do drive carefully.

Clear debris from your premises immediately.

Report the correct losses to the appropriate authorities.