Lagatar24 Desk
Puducherry: Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall along the Puducherry-Tamil Nadu coast on November 30, has weakened into a deep depression as of Sunday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed. Despite the cyclone’s weakening, heavy rainfall has led to severe flooding across Puducherry and parts of Tamil Nadu, prompting authorities to declare a holiday for schools and colleges in affected regions.
Operations at Chennai airport, which had been suspended since Saturday, resumed at 1 a.m. on Sunday, though initial flight delays and cancellations caused inconvenience. Normal operations were restored later in the day.
The IMD reported that Cyclone Fengal has been stationary over north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry for the past 12 hours. It is expected to move westward slowly and gradually weaken into a depression within the next 12 hours.
Key Updates on Cyclone Fengal:
•Record Rainfall in Puducherry: Puducherry experienced its highest rainfall in 30 years, leaving the region inundated. Lieutenant Governor K Kailashnathan stated that the drainage system was overwhelmed by the excessive rain. He also reported power outages due to submerged substations, with efforts underway to restore electricity by late Sunday night.
•Education Closures: Puducherry Education Minister A Namachivayam declared a holiday for all government and private schools and colleges in the Union Territory. In Tamil Nadu, the government announced closures for educational institutions in Villupuram, Cuddalore, Vellore, and Ranipet districts due to continued heavy rain and flooding.
•Chennai Airport Resumes Operations: Flights at Chennai airport resumed early Sunday, but the aftermath of the cyclone initially caused delays and cancellations. By the afternoon, operations were back to normal.
Authorities are working to clear fallen trees, restore power supply, and address waterlogging in affected areas.
