Cyclone Fengal made its devastating presence felt in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, claiming 12 lives and impacting 14 districts with torrential rain and high-speed winds. Despite the Tamil Nadu government’s claims of preparedness, the slow-moving and unpredictable nature of Cyclone Fengal posed significant challenges for weather experts and administrative authorities, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
Torrential Rains Devastate Families
The events of December 1, 2024, will remain etched in the memories of many in Tamil Nadu, particularly for families like the one in VOC Nagar, a residential locality at the foothills of Arunachala in Tiruvannamalai district. As the cyclone unleashed its fury, a family of four, along with three neighbors, took shelter under the metal roof of their single-room house, bracing for the storm’s onslaught.
Tragedy struck when torrential rains caused a mudslide, engulfing the house. S. Meenakshi, a resident of the same area, recounted the horrifying incident involving her sister, R. Meena (26), and her brother-in-law, N. Rajkumar (32), both brick kiln workers. The couple, who had returned from their workplace due to flooding, were among those who lost their lives when their home was destroyed.
Cyclone’s Path Leaves Experts Perplexed
What made Cyclone Fengal particularly challenging for authorities was its erratic path and slow movement. Initially forecasted to cause heavy rainfall along Tamil Nadu’s coastal areas, the cyclone defied predictions, making an unexpected shift toward interior districts. The unpredictability of its trajectory left several regions unprepared for the scale of destruction that unfolded.
Weather experts highlighted that Cyclone Fengal’s unique behavior made it difficult to provide accurate warnings. The slow pace of the storm allowed it to gather more moisture, resulting in prolonged and heavy rainfall that inundated several areas.
Impact on Puducherry and Tamil Nadu
The cyclone impacted 14 districts across Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Tiruvannamalai, Kancheepuram, and Villupuram. Puducherry, too, bore the brunt of the storm, with widespread flooding reported. High winds uprooted trees, disrupted power supply, and caused extensive damage to infrastructure.
Rescue teams worked tirelessly to evacuate residents from low-lying areas. Schools and colleges in the affected regions were shut down, and thousands of people were moved to relief camps set up by the government. However, many residents criticized the administration for the lack of timely alerts and inadequate preparedness.
Government’s Response to the Disaster
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin visited the affected areas and announced an immediate relief package for the victims’ families. The state government pledged compensation of ₹5 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives and ₹1 lakh for those who sustained injuries.
In addition to financial aid, the government deployed the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams to assist in rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Relief camps were set up across the state, providing food, water, and medical aid to displaced residents.
Stories of Resilience Amid Tragedy
Amidst the devastation, stories of resilience emerged. Local residents and community members joined hands with authorities to assist in rescue operations. Volunteers worked round the clock to provide food and clothing to those stranded by the floods.
In VOC Nagar, residents mourned the loss of their neighbors but also rallied together to support the surviving family members. “We have faced storms before, but nothing like this. We are doing whatever we can to help each other,” said a local resident.
Economic and Environmental Aftermath
Cyclone Fengal’s impact extended beyond human loss, as it also caused significant economic damage. Agriculture suffered a severe blow, with vast stretches of farmland submerged under water. Crops such as paddy, sugarcane, and vegetables were destroyed, leaving farmers grappling with losses.
Environmentalists also raised concerns about the long-term impact of the cyclone on Tamil Nadu’s fragile ecosystem. The destruction of trees and the flooding of wetlands could have lasting consequences on local biodiversity.
Lessons for the Future
The devastation caused by Cyclone Fengal has once again highlighted the need for better disaster preparedness and climate-resilient infrastructure. Experts have called for improved forecasting systems, more robust evacuation plans, and greater investment in infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events.
Local authorities have pledged to review their disaster management strategies in the wake of the cyclone. “We need to learn from this tragedy and ensure that we are better prepared for future storms. Lives should not be lost due to lapses in planning,” said a senior government official.
A Community United in Grief
As Tamil Nadu begins the long process of recovery, the focus remains on rebuilding lives and supporting those affected by Cyclone Fengal. The resilience of the community, coupled with ongoing relief efforts, offers hope in the face of adversity.
While Cyclone Fengal’s unpredictability posed significant challenges, it has also underscored the importance of collective action and preparedness in the fight against climate-induced disasters. The lessons learned from this tragedy will undoubtedly shape the state’s response to future calamities, ensuring that such devastating losses are minimized.