As Cyclonic Storm Fengal approaches the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned residents to prepare for widespread moderate rainfall across the state. S Balachandran, Director of the Chennai Regional Meteorological Centre, reported to ANI that the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal is currently located approximately 310 kilometers southeast of Nagapattinam and about 410 kilometers southeast of Puducherry, with Chennai sitting roughly 480 kilometers to the south-southeast.
The system is expected to move in a north-northwest direction and is anticipated to make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram by the morning of the 30th. According to Balachandran, the next two to three days could experience fairly widespread moderate rainfall throughout most of Tamil Nadu. He elaborated that during the next 24 hours, certain areas in the Delta districts, including Chengalpattu and Viluppuram, are likely to face heavy rainfall, with expectations for extremely heavy rainfall to hit parts of the Delta, Viluppuram, Cuddalore, Puducherry, and Chengalpattu in the following day.
In light of the impending severe weather, IMD officials have issued guidance advising fishermen to refrain from venturing into the sea until at least November 31.
Meanwhile, the Indian Navy has initiated a comprehensive disaster response plan in anticipation of Cyclone Fengal intensifying in the Bay of Bengal. The Eastern Naval Command has coordinated with the Headquarters Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area to activate an extensive disaster management strategy focused on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) as well as Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. The naval authorities are working closely alongside state and civil administrations to enhance rapid response capabilities.
Efforts are underway to load vehicles with essential relief supplies, including food, potable water, and medical supplies. Specialized Flood Relief Teams (FRTs) are being strategically positioned in areas deemed vulnerable to the cyclone’s impacts.
Officials have cautioned that Cyclone Fengal, likely to strengthen over the next 48 hours, could bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and risk of flooding to Tamil Nadu’s coastal regions. Residents in low-lying and coastal areas are urged to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories issued by local authorities.
