Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], December 1: Cyclone Fengal has brought the equivalent of an entire year’s worth of rainfall in just 36 hours to some parts of Tamil Nadu, with certain regions receiving as much as 56 centimetres of rain, as reported by Rajesh Lakhani, the state’s Additional Chief Secretary of Revenue and Disaster Management.
Lakhani emphasized that with the cyclone now passed, the government is prioritizing restoration efforts to address the damage caused.
“Since the cyclone has crossed, our primary focus is on restoration. Some areas have recorded up to 56 centimetres of rainfall in just 36 hours, which is the equivalent of an entire year’s worth. The cyclone remained stationary for a while, leading to intense rainfall. This has resulted in fallen trees, widespread waterlogging, and disruptions to road traffic and power supplies. People were evacuated in advance, and 49 relief camps have been established in Viluppuram alone. Efforts to restore normalcy are ongoing across the state,” Lakhani stated.
While assessing the damage continues, immediate relief and restoration remain the top priorities.
Tamil Nadu continues to experience persistent rainfall, with areas like Cuddalore submerged in floodwaters. Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), have been deployed to evacuate residents from affected areas using boats.
The Indian Army, mobilized from the Chennai Garrison Battalion, is also aiding in the rescue operations in flood-hit areas of Puducherry.
Cyclone Fengal made landfall on November 30 along the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, where it remained stationary for six hours, bringing wind speeds of 70-80 km/h, gusting up to 90 km/h.