Cyclone Fengal set to intensify, heavy rainfall in several Tamil Nadu districts

Cyclone Fengal is expected to intensify and cross Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts by November 30. The Indian Navy is actively preparing for relief and rescue operations to mitigate the storm's impact.

In Short

• Deep depression may intensify to cyclone with winds up to 85 kmph
• Indian Navy mobilises disaster response teams and supplies
• Landfall expected between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram on Nov 30

As Cyclone Fengal was likely to make landfall along Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast somewhere between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, several parts of coastal Tamil Nadu and Chennai faced moderate to heavy rainfall on Thursday.

Cyclone Fengal, the cyclonic storm began as a deep depression in southwest Bay of Bengal on Tuesday evening, and was slowly moving north-northwest towards the Tamil Nadu coast.

According to the Chennai Regional Meteorological Centre, the system, currently classified as a deep depression, would likely intensify into a cyclonic storm within the next 12 hours, bringing widespread rainfall and strong gusts to the region.

With heavy rain lashing the region for the second consecutive day, over 1,200 residing in low-lying and vulnerable areas in the coastal delta districts were shifted to shelters and temporary relief camps on Wednesday.

The cyclonic storm led to heavy rainfall and disrupted normal life in Cuddalore districts, especially coastal areas which were severely affected with rough seas and waves rising over 10 feet.

In Nagapattinam, where an orange alert was issued, people from low-lying areas were accommodated across 12 camps in the district. While most were moved as a precaution, others were moved to safety following flooding in vulnerable areas.

The deep depression currently over the southwest Bay of Bengal, is on track to intensify into a cyclonic storm, named Cyclone Fengal. In its 5.30 am IST weather update, India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated the system was centered near latitude 9.1°N and longitude 82.1°E, approximately 110 km east-northeast of Trincomalee in Sri Lanka, 310 km southeast of Nagappattinam, 410 km southeast of Puducherry, and 480 km south-southeast of Chennai.

The storm was moving north-northwest at a slow pace and is expected to skirt the Sri Lankan coast over the next 12 hours. It is projected to make landfall as a deep depression with wind speeds of 50-60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph, between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram on the morning of November 30.

There is potential for it to briefly intensify into a cyclonic storm with winds reaching 65-75 kmph and gusts up to 85 kmph by November 29.

On November 28, orange alert was issued for Kancheepuram, Chengelpattu, Villupuram and Cuddalore district and Pondicherry with forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall.

INDIAN NAVY'S PREPAREDNESS

Anticipating potential impacts, the Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command, in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area, has activated disaster response measures focused on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief and Search and Rescue operations.

The key preparations include, emergency supplies such as food, water, medical supplies, and other relief materials were being stockpiled.

Naval teams, including diving units and helicopters, were on standby for rapid deployment. Flood Relief Teams were positioned for immediate response to affected areas.

CYCLONE NAMING AND BACKGROUND

Cyclone Fengal’s name was contributed by Saudi Arabia under the naming conventions established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). This system aims to enhance public awareness and streamline communication during storm events.

EXPECTED PATH AND IMPACT

The storm will move north-northwest, closely paralleling the Sri Lankan coast, before heading toward Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Authorities are monitoring its progress and advising coastal communities to stay alert.

The Indian Navy has emphasised its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of affected populations. Citizens in the region are urged to follow safety advisories and remain vigilant as the storm approaches.