Cyclone Fengal triggered heavy rains and gusty winds across northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, causing significant disruption on Saturday. The storm, which made landfall near the Puducherry union territory, brought widespread impacts, including power outages, transportation disruptions, and unfortunate casualties. Authorities are now focusing on recovery as the storm weakens into a deep depression.
Cyclone Fengal’s Path and Impact
Landfall and Movement
Cyclone Fengal made landfall close to Puducherry on Saturday evening, bringing heavy rains and winds with speeds ranging from 65-75 km/h and gusts reaching up to 85 km/h. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone remained stationary around midnight and began weakening early Sunday morning.
Heavy Rains and Winds
The storm unleashed torrential rains and powerful winds across northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, inundating streets, homes, and hospitals. Chennai experienced severe waterlogging, with authorities closing six of the city’s 22 subways temporarily to manage flooding. Vehicles struggled to navigate submerged roads, highlighting the city’s vulnerability to heavy rainfall.
Casualties and Safety Measures
Loss of Lives
Tragically, three people lost their lives in Chennai due to electrocution caused by rain-related incidents. Among the victims was a migrant worker electrocuted while attempting to withdraw money from an ATM, whose body was later found floating near the site.
Relief Efforts
The Greater Chennai Corporation sprang into action, distributing food to over 232,000 affected individuals and setting up eight relief camps for nearly 200 people from low-lying areas. The administration’s proactive measures aimed to mitigate the devastation reminiscent of the 2015 floods.
Transportation Disruptions
Chennai Airport Shutdown
The Chennai International Airport was temporarily shut due to severe waterlogging on runways and taxiways. Operations were suspended until early Sunday morning, resulting in the cancellation of 55 flights and the diversion of 19 others, both domestic and international. Even before the closure, flight delays affected at least 12 scheduled services.
Impact on Local Transport
Public transportation in Chennai faced significant challenges as vehicles navigated flooded roads. Authorities deployed emergency services to ensure the safety of commuters and minimize disruptions.
Puducherry: Preparing for the Worst
Despite being close to the cyclone’s landfall point, Puducherry reported no immediate major damage. The union territory’s administration took preventive measures, including sending SMS alerts to 1.2 million residents, advising them to stay vigilant. Quick action by local authorities helped avert severe consequences.
Long-Term Measures and Recovery
Avoiding a 2015 Rerun
Chennai’s efforts to prevent a repeat of the catastrophic 2015 floods included improved drainage systems and proactive relocation of residents from flood-prone areas. However, the challenges posed by Cyclone Fengal underscored the need for further infrastructure enhancements and emergency preparedness.
Weather Forecast
The IMD predicts that Cyclone Fengal will continue to weaken, transforming into a deep depression by Sunday morning. This expected dissipation offers a respite to the affected regions, allowing recovery efforts to proceed unhindered.
Cyclone Fengal’s impact on Tamil Nadu and Puducherry serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and resilience. While the storm brought significant challenges, the quick response by authorities helped minimize damage and loss of life. As the region recovers, there is a renewed focus on building sustainable infrastructure to better withstand future cyclonic events.