Cyclone Fengal, which has been moving unusually slowly over the Bay of Bengal. It is expected to make landfall near Puducherry by tonight. This intensifies rainfall across Chennai and northern Tamil Nadu. This slow-moving storm has caused heavy rain in several parts of the region, thus leading to a significant flooding and disruptions. Read More: Cyclone Fengal: Heavy Rain, School Closures, And Flight Disruptions Expected In Tamil Nadu Red Alert Areas A red alert has been issued for Chennai and several districts in the northern part of the state, including […]
Cyclone Fengal Triggers Red Alert In Chennai And Northern Tamil Nadu
Cyclone Fengal, which has been moving unusually slowly over the Bay of Bengal. It is expected to make landfall near Puducherry by tonight. This intensifies rainfall across Chennai and northern Tamil Nadu. This slow-moving storm has caused heavy rain in several parts of the region, thus leading to a significant flooding and disruptions.
Read More: Cyclone Fengal: Heavy Rain, School Closures, And Flight Disruptions Expected In Tamil Nadu
A red alert has been issued for Chennai and several districts in the northern part of the state, including Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villuppuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, and Puducherry. All these areas are anticipated to experience heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Along with torrential rainfall the winds reaching up to 90 km/h is also going hit as cyclone makes its way to the coast.
The delayed pace of Cyclone Fengal, which has hovered over the Bay of Bengal for days. This has also allowed it to gather more moisture, leading to more intense rainfall. As a result, Chennai and surrounding districts have been experiencing heavy rain since Saturday morning. The Greater Chennai Corporation reported waterlogging at over 134 locations, with teams working to pump out the accumulated water.
Flooding was particularly severe in low-lying areas; this includes places such as Vadapalani, Choolai, and Korattur. Six subways in the city had to be closed due to water accumulation. Rainfall data from automatic weather stations revealed that Kathivakkam in northern Chennai received the highest rainfall, with 12 cm recorded, while other areas saw around 6-9 cm of rainfall.
According to the India Meteorological Department, as of 8:30 am Saturday Cyclone Fengal was centred about 110 km southeast of Chennai, and 120 km east-northeast of Puducherry. The system is moving westward at a speed of 13 km/h. It is also expected to make landfall between Karaikal and Mamallapuram later in the evening. The slow movement of the cyclone is expected to prolong the heavy rainfall, even after landfall.
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In addition to the red alert, an orange alert has been issued for the interior districts of Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, and Nagapattinam as well. In these areas a significant but less severe rainfall is expected to happen. Authorities have opened over 2,000 relief camps and ordered the return of more than 4,100 fishing boats to shore. In vulnerable areas of Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur, nearly 500 people have been relocated to shelters for further safety.
Cyclone has also disrupted in the transportation services and public services as well. Both airways and road ways have been severely affected since past two days. Chennai Airport has suspended operations from noon to 7 pm. For this reason it has led to numerous flight cancellations and delays. Public transport on East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) was also halted as a precautionary measure. Suburban trains in Chennai saw reduced services, and the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) between Chennai Beach and Velachery was completely suspended due to high and stronger winds.
In response to the crisis, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has been overseeing relief efforts from the State Emergency Operations Centre in Chennai. Disaster response teams are working tirelessly on water drainage, food distribution in relief camps, and managing critical infrastructure. Stalin also inspected key facilities, including sewage pumping stations and kitchens providing meals to those in need. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid coastal areas, including popular beaches like Marina and Mamallapuram. Additionally, construction companies were instructed to secure equipment and hoardings to prevent accidents.
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The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board issued safety advisories. The authorities has given warning to avoid touching electrical poles and exposed cables to prevent electrocution. Emergency helplines have been activated in Chennai and surrounding districts for assistance.
The cyclone has also affected neighboring Andhra Pradesh, where moderate to heavy rainfall has been reported in districts such as Nellore and Chittoor. The storm’s impact has extended to Sri Lanka as well, where adverse weather has caused floods and landslides, displacing over 450,000 people, mostly in the Eastern Province, and claiming at least 15 lives.
The IMD has also warned that the rainfall will continue across Tamil Nadu even after the cyclone makes landfall. Several coastal districts are likely to bear the brunt of the storm, while interior regions like Tiruchirappalli and Vellore can expect scattered heavy showers. Hence authorities are on high alert as they continue to monitor the situation and assist those in need.
