• By Imran Zafar
  • Sat, 30 Nov 2024 08:34 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Cyclone Fengal Landfall: Cyclone Fengal is set to make landfall on the Tamil Nadu coast today, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting wind speeds of 70-80 kmph, gusting up to 90 kmph. The cyclone, currently positioned over the southwest Bay of Bengal, is moving west-northwestward at 7 kmph. Warnings have been issued for North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and parts of South Andhra Pradesh.

As the cyclone approaches, coastal areas are already experiencing high tides and intermittent rainfall. IMD forecasts indicate extremely heavy rainfall in several areas of northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall elsewhere. By 11:30 PM on November 29, Cyclone Fengal was approximately 210 km southeast of Chennai and 230 km east-northeast of Nagapattinam.

Government Precautions And Public Safety Measures

In response to the cyclone's imminent landfall, the Tamil Nadu government has declared Saturday a public holiday for educational institutions and advised residents to stay indoors. IT companies have been urged to enable employees to work remotely. As a precautionary measure, public transport has been suspended on the Eastern Coastal Road and Old Mahabalipuram Road.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister KKSSR Ramachandran conducted a review meeting with senior officials from the State Emergency Operations Center to assess preparedness and coordinate relief efforts.

ALSO READ: Delhi Weather And AQI: Air Quality Remains In 'Very Poor' Quality, Minimum Temperature Drops To 9 Degree Celsius

Fishermen, Coastal Residents Advised To Take Precautions

The Puducherry Fisheries Department has issued advisories for fishermen, urging them to avoid venturing into the sea. Fishermen have been asked to move their boats and equipment to safer, elevated locations. Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines issued by authorities.

Cyclone's Projected Path and Impact

Cyclone Fengal is expected to cross the North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry. The Regional Meteorological Centre (Chennai) predicts that the most significant impact will occur between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM today. Dr S Balachandran, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre, highlighted the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall and gusty winds reaching up to 70 kmph.

ALSO READ: Maharashtra Government Formation Faces Delay Over Home Department Disagreement, Swearing-In Ceremony Likely By Dec 5

Andhra Pradesh On Alert

The Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre has also issued alerts for Nellore, Tirupati and Chittoor districts in Andhra Pradesh, warning of extremely heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours. Srinuvas, Director of the Cyclone Warning Centre, stated that the cyclone could further intensify as it moves toward the coast, posing a threat to adjacent regions.