Tamil Nadu Braces for Cyclone Fengal as Heavy Rains Continue

Heavy rainfall continues to affect several parts of Tamil Nadu as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the depression over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm, which will be named Fengal. The storm, expected to form on November 27, could bring significant rainfall to the region over the next few days.

According to the IMD, the depression currently lies approximately 830 km south-southeast of Chennai and 630 km south-southeast of Nagapattinam. As the storm intensifies, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and several coastal areas are expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated areas facing extremely heavy downpours on November 26 and 27. The forecast for the following days indicates continued rainfall, with a ‘red’ alert issued for November 27 and an ‘orange’ alert for November 28.

In light of the imminent threat, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin chaired a high-level meeting to review precautionary measures. The state government has deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to districts such as Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Cuddalore. Additionally, state teams have been stationed in the affected areas to assist in emergency response.

As of Tuesday, rainfall ranging from mild to heavy was recorded in several districts, including Chennai, Chengelpet, Kanchipuram, and the Cauvery delta areas. In Chennai, the heavy rains have caused traffic congestion, particularly on major roads like OMR, and delayed the landing of seven flights. Despite the disruptions, state-run dairy Aavin has assured the public that it is taking necessary measures to maintain an uninterrupted milk supply, with eight of its parlours remaining open 24/7.

The IMD has warned that the cyclone, once fully developed, could impact the Tamil Nadu coast in the coming days. Fengal is expected to be the second post-monsoon cyclone to affect India, following Cyclone Dana, which crossed Odisha as a ‘severe’ storm in late October.

In response to the ongoing weather conditions, authorities have announced school holidays in some affected districts, including Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai. With the storm’s expected arrival, the state continues to monitor the situation closely and is preparing for further emergency measures as necessary.

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