Cyclone Fengal wreaked havoc on Puducherry over the weekend, setting a 30-year rainfall record for the region. After making landfall on Saturday near the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the cyclone weakened significantly but left a trail of destruction in its wake. Torrential rains inundated streets, forcing authorities to deploy the Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to rescue stranded residents.
Schools And Colleges Closed Amid Heavy Rainfall Forecast
With relentless rain continuing into the week, schools and colleges in Puducherry have been ordered to remain closed on Monday, December 2. Neighboring districts in Tamil Nadu, including Villupuram, Cuddalore, Vellore, and Ranipet, have also declared a holiday for educational institutions due to forecasts of further heavy rainfall.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the remnants of Cyclone Fengal will continue to bring adverse weather conditions, prompting precautionary measures across southern India.
IMD Updates On Cyclone Fengal’s Path
The IMD has been actively tracking Cyclone Fengal and its evolving trajectory. According to the latest updates:
- Cyclone Fengal, after making landfall on November 30, has weakened into a depression and is expected to move west and northwest.
- The weather system will likely turn into a well-marked low-pressure area over north interior Tamil Nadu by Monday morning, bringing heavy rainfall to coastal Tamil Nadu and Rayalaseema in Andhra Pradesh.
- The remnants of the cyclone are projected to emerge over the southeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea off the Kerala-Karnataka coasts by December 3.
Record Rainfall Leaves Puducherry Struggling
Puducherry has experienced its heaviest rainfall in three decades under the influence of Cyclone Fengal. Streets in the Union Territory were transformed into rivers, submerging homes and vehicles. Emergency teams worked tirelessly to evacuate residents from waterlogged areas, while local authorities scrambled to restore essential services like power and water supply.
Local residents described the situation as unprecedented, with many stranded in their homes for hours. Rescue teams, including personnel from the Army and NDRF, have been actively assisting people in the worst-hit areas.
Cyclone Fengal’s Impact On Neighboring States
The weakened cyclone’s effects have not been confined to Puducherry. Heavy rain is expected to lash coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Karnataka and Kerala.
- Tamil Nadu: Heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for several districts, including Cuddalore and Villupuram. Emergency services are on high alert to deal with potential flooding.
- Andhra Pradesh: Rayalaseema regions are likely to face heavy showers as the weather system moves northwest.
- Kerala And Karnataka: The IMD predicts that the remnants of the cyclone will intensify rainfall along the Kerala-Karnataka coasts as a low-pressure area emerges over the Arabian Sea.
Public Safety Measures In Place
Authorities have urged residents in the affected areas to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until further notice due to rough conditions. Emergency helplines have been activated across Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala to assist those in need.
Transportation services have also been disrupted in several regions, with local trains and buses either delayed or canceled. Efforts are underway to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.
Outlook For The Coming Days
As Cyclone Fengal continues to weaken, its remnants are expected to linger over southern India, bringing sporadic but heavy rainfall to several states. The IMD has indicated that weather conditions should gradually improve by mid-week as the system dissipates.
While Puducherry begins its recovery, other regions brace for the cyclone’s residual impact, with emergency teams on high alert to manage potential flooding and related challenges.
Cyclone Fengal’s aftermath is a stark reminder of the unpredictability and power of nature, urging authorities and residents alike to remain vigilant and prepared for future weather events.