Puducherry (Tamil Nadu) [India]: As Cyclone Fengal is expected to make landfall later this evening, Puducherry SSP Kalaivanan led a team to inspect the coastal areas and roads in the region. Authorities have advised the public to stay away from beaches in Puducherry and Tamil Nadu, including popular spots like Marina Beach, Pattinapakkam, and Edward Elliot Beach. In light of the cyclone, tourist attractions in Puducherry have been closed as a precautionary measure.
SSP Kalaivanan stated that security has been bolstered along the coastal roads and beaches, with 300 police personnel deployed to ensure public safety. “For the past few days, we’ve had police officers along the beaches and have been warning fishermen and residents of low-lying areas to stay cautious. Since last night, all beaches have been closed, and we are coordinating efforts with the NDRF to ensure safety,” he said.
On Saturday morning, the coastal areas of Puducherry experienced rough seas and strong winds due to the cyclone’s impact. Moderate rain was reported in the region, but the rough seas were notably more intense than usual.
SSP Kalaivanan assured that both the government and police forces were prepared to handle the situation, and that no members of the public are being allowed near the coast. The region has been under the influence of gusty winds and rainfall, with Chennai also experiencing heavy to moderate rains overnight, further intensifying the rough sea conditions.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Fengal, located over the Southwest Bay of Bengal, is moving west-northwestward at 12 kmph and is expected to cross the coasts of north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry later today. The cyclone is currently positioned about 150 km east of Puducherry, 140 km southeast of Chennai, and 210 km northeast of Nagapattinam.
“The cyclonic storm is likely to cross the north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts, near Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, with winds reaching speeds of 70-80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph, by the evening of November 30,” the IMD said.
Cyclone Fengal is being closely monitored by the IMD using Doppler radars in Chennai, Sriharikota, and additional satellite observations. A red alert was issued for several southern states, including parts of Andhra Pradesh, as the cyclone’s impact intensifies.
S. Balachandran, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai, explained that the cyclone will have a significant effect on the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, particularly between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram. “Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected today, with winds gusting up to 70 kmph,” he said.
Meanwhile, Srinuvas, Director of the Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre in Andhra Pradesh, issued warnings of “extremely heavy rainfall” for Nellore, Tirupati, and Chittoor districts, which will continue for the next 24 hours. He also noted that the cyclone is expected to intensify as it moves northwest towards the coast.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid coastal areas as the cyclone approaches.