Puducherry [India]: Puducherry District Collector A. Kulothungan has announced that the administration is fully prepared to handle Cyclone Fengal, which is expected to make landfall around 7 PM today. The cyclone poses a significant threat to the coastal regions of Puducherry and northern Tamil Nadu.
Key Updates on Cyclone Fengal:
- Landfall Details:
- Cyclone Fengal is expected to cross the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast between Mahabalipuram and Karaikal this evening.
- Wind speeds during landfall are anticipated to reach 70-80 kmph, with gusts up to 90 kmph.
- Preparedness Measures in Puducherry:
- A war room is operational to coordinate relief efforts.
- Multiple relief centres have been set up with essential supplies.
- Approximately 4,000 government officials have been deployed for emergency response.
- Warning messages have been disseminated to the public.
- Current Position of the Cyclone:
- According to the Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre, the cyclone is currently:
- 120 km northeast of Puducherry.
- 110 km southeast of Chennai.
- The storm is moving westward across the Bay of Bengal at a speed of 10 kmph.
- According to the Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre, the cyclone is currently:
- Rainfall and Flooding:
- Heavy rainfall has led to waterlogging in several parts of Chennai, including New Washermanpet, the Gemini Flyover, and Mount Road, causing traffic disruptions.
- The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has deployed teams to monitor flooding at construction sites, using high-powered pumps to drain water.
- India Meteorological Department (IMD) Advisory:
- Coastal districts between Tiruvallur and Mayiladuthurai are likely to experience wind speeds of 50-70 kmph on Sunday.
- Continuous monitoring of the storm’s movement is underway, with potential slowdowns as it nears landfall.
Impact and Safety Measures:
Authorities have urged residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Relief teams remain on standby to assist with evacuations and provide aid where necessary.
Stay Updated:
For real-time alerts and safety information, residents are advised to follow updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and local authorities.