Lagatar24 Desk
Chennai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that a deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into Cyclone Fengal, bringing heavy to extremely heavy rainfall to Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh. In anticipation of the cyclone, schools and colleges have been shut in several Tamil Nadu districts, including Trichy, Ramanathapuram, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Thiruvallur.
The deep depression, currently located 670 km off Chennai’s coast, is moving north-northwestwards and is expected to make landfall after intensifying into a cyclonic storm. The IMD reported it was centred about 190 km southeast of Trincomalee, 580 km south-southeast of Puducherry, and 670 km south-southeast of Chennai as of Wednesday morning.
Strong winds, with speeds of 45-55 km/h and gusts up to 65 km/h, are expected along the eastern coast, accompanied by rough seas that may cause flooding in low-lying areas and disrupt marine activities.
Preparations Underway
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin convened a high-level meeting with District Magistrates of vulnerable regions, including Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, and Cuddalore, to ensure emergency measures are in place. The Chief Minister urged the public to exercise caution and assured that the government is prepared to handle the situation.
“As a heavy rain warning has been issued, I have held a review meeting with the District Collectors… The government is ready to face the rain. I request the public to be safe while going out,” Stalin tweeted.
To bolster rescue and relief efforts, two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been dispatched to Tamil Nadu, with a total of 17 teams stationed across key districts, including Chennai, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Cuddalore.
Current Impact
Moderate rain has already begun in many parts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, and Tiruvallur districts. Northern coastal areas, such as Cuddalore, and the Cauvery delta regions, including Nagapattinam, are also experiencing rainfall as Cyclone Fengal edges closer.
