Cyclone Fengal, a significant weather event, crossed the north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts late on November 30, 2024. The cyclonic storm brought intense rainfall, strong winds, and widespread impact across multiple districts. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Cyclone Fengal’s landfall, rainfall statistics, alerts, and ongoing relief efforts.
1. Cyclone Fengal Landfall: A Quick Overview
Cyclone Fengal made landfall near Puducherry between 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on November 30, 2024. The storm, classified as a cyclonic storm, recorded wind speeds of 70-80 kmph, gusting up to 90 kmph. Its crossing began earlier in the evening at 5:30 p.m., bringing widespread heavy rains and strong winds to the region.
- Location of Landfall: North coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
- Peak Wind Speeds: 70-80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph
2. Heavy Rainfall: District-wise Records
The cyclone delivered heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Some key statistics include:
- Mayilam (Villupuram district): 50 cm in 24 hours
- Puducherry: 46 cm, the highest recorded in its history (previous record: 21 cm in 2004)
- Tiruvannamalai: 17.6 cm
- Cheyyar: 16 cm
- Jaya Engineering College (Thirunindravur): 13.6 cm
- R.K. Pet (Tiruvallur district): 12.4 cm
- Kolapakkam (Kancheepuram district): 12 cm
These exceptional rainfall figures highlight the storm’s intensity and widespread nature.
3. Warnings and Alerts Issued
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red alerts for multiple districts due to the storm’s severity.
Red Alert Districts:
- Tiruvannamalai
- Kallakurichi
- Villupuram
- Cuddalore
- Perambalur
Moderate Rainfall Expected in:
- Chennai
- Tiruvallur
- Nagapattinam
- Dindigul
- Erode
- Krishnagiri
- Dharmapuri
Fishermen were advised to stay away from the sea in the delta region, ensuring safety amid dangerous conditions.
4. Relief and Evacuation Efforts
In response to Cyclone Fengal, authorities evacuated approximately 3,000 individuals from vulnerable areas across three districts. Relief camps have been set up to accommodate displaced residents and provide necessary assistance.
- Key Relief Actions:
- Establishment of relief camps
- Distribution of food, water, and medical supplies
- Continuous monitoring of the cyclone’s trajectory
Local and state administrations worked in tandem to mitigate the impact of the storm and ensure the safety of residents.
5. Current Status and Future Forecast
As of 6:30 a.m. on December 1, 2024, Cyclone Fengal was centered over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, near latitude 12.0°N and longitude 79.8°E. The storm has remained stationary for several hours but is expected to weaken gradually into a deep depression while moving westward.
Forecast for the Next Few Hours:
- Intense Rainfall: Isolated locations in red-alert districts
- Moderate Rainfall: Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Ranipet, Vellore, and others
The IMD continues to monitor the system, providing regular updates and advisories to ensure public safety.
Conclusion
Cyclone Fengal has left a significant imprint on Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with heavy rainfall, strong winds, and the need for swift relief efforts. As the storm weakens and moves further inland, residents are advised to stay informed and follow safety guidelines issued by authorities.
This cyclonic storm serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and coordination in mitigating natural disasters’ impacts.