Cyclone Fengal is moving closer to the coastline, bringing heavy rain to parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, including Chennai. The cyclone is expected to make landfall on Saturday evening between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, near Puducherry. This has caused widespread disruption, affecting flight operations at Chennai airport and local train services.
Chennai Airport Operations Halted
Chennai airport has suspended operations from 12:30 pm to 7:00 pm due to concerns about high crosswinds. IndiGo Airlines has temporarily suspended all flights in and out of the city. A flight from Abu Dhabi (6E1412) was diverted to Bengaluru due to bad weather.
Local Train Services Affected
Southern Railway has reduced the frequency of local trains across all suburban sections in Chennai. Some services have been short-terminated or rescheduled.
Red Alert Issued in Tamil Nadu
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for seven coastal districts in Tamil Nadu, warning of extremely heavy rainfall. The cyclone is expected to bring wind speeds up to 90 km/h to the Puducherry coast.
Schools and Colleges Closed
The Tamil Nadu government has ordered the closure of all schools and colleges in Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu districts. The state has also advised IT companies to let employees work from home.
Emergency Measures in Place
Chief Minister MK Stalin reviewed the situation at the State Emergency Operations Centre and assured that all precautionary measures were in place. Over 2,220 relief camps have been set up, and around 500 people have already been relocated to Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts.
Transport Suspended on Key Roads
As part of precautionary measures, public transport services on key roads, including the East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), have been suspended. The Puducherry administration has also ordered the suspension of film screenings for Saturday evening.
Authorities Preparing for the Worst
The Tamil Nadu government has removed billboards and hoardings to prevent accidents. Essential equipment like motor pumps, generators, and boats are ready in affected areas. The Indian Navy’s flood relief teams are also stationed in vulnerable regions.
Tourist Areas in Puducherry Closed
Puducherry, a popular tourist destination, is also facing heavy rain. The beach road and tourist spots have been closed to keep people safe.
Stay Safe and Follow Official Guidelines
With Cyclone Fengal set to make landfall soon, it is important to stay updated with official warnings and follow safety guidelines. For emergencies, you can contact 112 or 1077.
