Chennai, November 2024: Cyclone Fengal continues to wreak havoc in Tamil Nadu, with intense rains and strong winds affecting several regions, particularly in the Cauvery Delta. As of Friday, the state is experiencing severe weather conditions, with incidents of rain-related damage, flooding, and power disruptions reported across multiple districts.
Cyclone Impact: Property Damage and Flooding
In Tiruvarur district, heavy rains caused the collapse of an old house in Tarangampadi and the wall of a Dharga’s tank at Jambuvanodai. Trees were uprooted in various areas, some of which fell on electricity poles, leading to power outages in several localities. Waterlogging was reported across urban and rural parts of Tamil Nadu, with Chennai experiencing severe flooding following continuous rainfall since Friday night.
Crops Submerged and Salt Pans Affected
Farmers in the state are facing significant losses as rain continues to submerge standing crops. In the Cauvery delta areas, including Tiruvarur, Thiruthuraipoondi, Muthupettai, Mayiladuthurai, and Vedaranyam, both partial and complete crop submergence have been reported. According to rough estimates, at least 2,000 acres of paddy fields have been affected by the deluge.
In addition to the damage to crops, large areas of salt pans in Nagapattinam (Vedaranyam) and Villupuram (Marakkanman) have been flooded, further exacerbating the crisis for local farmers.
Political Leaders Demand Action
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami expressed his concern over the devastation in Thiruthuraipoondi, where an estimated 1,500 acres of paddy crops have been severely affected. Palaniswami urged government officials to inspect the rain-hit areas and called on the DMK-led state government to provide immediate relief to farmers.
Farmers’ leader P.R. Pandian also criticized the state government, alleging that canals and rivers in the delta areas were not properly desilted, leading to inadequate drainage and worsened flooding.
Cyclone Fengal’s Path and Forecast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the deep depression in the Southwest Bay of Bengal has been moving slowly north-northwestwards at a speed of 3 kmph. As of now, it is located approximately 320 km southeast of Nagapattinam, 420 km southeast of Puducherry, and 500 km south-southeast of Chennai.
The IMD has warned that the depression is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm and will make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, near Puducherry, by the evening of November 30. Wind speeds are expected to reach 70-80 kmph, with gusts potentially touching 90 kmph, causing further damage to infrastructure and posing a risk to coastal areas.
Chennai on High Alert
Chennai and its surrounding areas are facing heavy rainfall and strong winds as Cyclone Fengal approaches. The city has witnessed severe waterlogging, particularly in low-lying areas, due to continuous downpours. With the cyclone expected to make landfall on Saturday evening, local authorities have put emergency services on high alert, advising residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
The storm’s proximity to the Tamil Nadu coast has prompted authorities to issue red alerts and suspend various public services, including train services in affected regions. Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea as the cyclone’s wind speeds and waves pose a significant risk.
Cyclone Fengal: What Lies Ahead
As the cyclone nears the coast, residents and officials are preparing for more rain, potential flooding, and disruptions in power and communication networks. Emergency teams are on standby, and relief efforts are underway in the worst-hit areas, with special attention being given to agriculture and flood management.
The IMD has also forecasted continued rainfall in the next 48 hours, with more areas expected to be affected by the cyclone’s aftermath. State and national agencies are coordinating to provide timely assistance and mitigate damage in the coming days.
The situation remains fluid, and updates are being monitored closely as Cyclone Fengal inches toward landfall on November 30.