Visakhapatnam, December 1: Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall on the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Saturday night, November 30, has caused severe flooding in several regions, particularly in Cuddalore. As the cyclone moves westward, heavy rainfall is now expected in parts of Andhra Pradesh, including its coastal and Rayalaseema regions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued warnings for continued severe weather in these areas, with the cyclone forecasted to move westward slowly. According to KVS Srinivas, Managing Director of the Cyclone Warning Centre in Visakhapatnam, the cyclone has remained stationary for the past six hours and is expected to continue its slow westward movement.
Srinivas stated, “Cyclone Fengal crossed North Tamil Nadu between 10:30 pm and 11:30 pm last night. It has since been stationary for several hours. We anticipate moderate to heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours in many parts of Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the coastal and Rayalaseema regions.”
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for districts in coastal Andhra Pradesh, including Kakinada, Konaseema, SPSR Nellore, and parts of Rayalaseema like Tirupati, Annamayya, Srisathyasai, and Chittoor, forecasting heavy rainfall on Monday.
Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, the aftermath of Cyclone Fengal continues to cause disruption. Cuddalore has been severely affected, with many residential areas submerged in floodwaters. Disaster response teams are working tirelessly to evacuate residents, using boats in flooded areas. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed, while local authorities are also providing assistance.
In Cuddalore’s Chinna Gangankuppam, a border area between Cuddalore and Puducherry, a JCB machine was used by the Tamil Nadu Disaster Rescue team to clear a fallen tree blocking the national highway. Additionally, the Indian Army has been mobilized, with troops from the Chennai Garrison Battalion assisting in rescue efforts in flood-hit areas of Puducherry.
Cyclone Fengal made landfall late on Saturday, with wind speeds reaching 70-80 km/h, gusting up to 90 km/h. It crossed the North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts, approximately 30 km north of Cuddalore and 40 km east of Viluppuram, before stalling near the region for several hours.
As the cyclone progresses, heavy rainfall is expected to continue in affected regions, with local authorities urging residents to remain alert and follow safety precautions.