The deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal intensified into Cyclonic Storm ‘Fengal’ on Friday afternoon, as it approaches the northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The cyclone is expected to make landfall near Puducherry on Saturday afternoon, bringing wind speeds of up to 90 km/h.The storm is predicted to move west-northwestward, crossing the northern Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram, close to Puducherry, with wind speeds ranging from 70-80 km/h and gusts up to 90 km/h.
The region is likely to witness significant weather changes, including high tides and heavy rainfall. IMD’s Cyclonic Division head, Ananda Das, announced a red alert for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in parts of Tamil Nadu, southern Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and interior Karnataka.
Cyclone Fengal latest Updates
- Landfall Expected: Cyclone Fengal is set to make landfall near Puducherry on Saturday afternoon, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
- Red Alert Issued: A red alert has been declared for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu, South Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and interior Karnataka.
- Heavy Rainfall Forecast: Coastal districts of North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villuppuram, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore, are expected to receive isolated heavy to very heavy rain with extremely heavy rain in some areas.
- Schools Closed: All schools and educational institutions in Puducherry and parts of Tamil Nadu will remain closed on Saturday.
- Fishermen Advisory: Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea in the affected areas, including Kamashwaram, Virundhamavadi, Pudupalli, Vedrappu, Vanamadevi, Vallapallam, Kallimedu, Eeravayal, and Chemboadi.
- Evacuation: 471 people from 164 families have been accommodated in six relief centres in Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts.
- Emergency Helplines: Toll-free numbers 112 and 1077, along with WhatsApp number 9488981070, are available for public assistance.
- Work-from-Home Advisory: IT companies have been urged to allow employees to work from home on Saturday.
- Transport Suspension: Public transport services on the East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) will be temporarily suspended from Saturday afternoon.
- Flight Cancellations: 13 flights to and from Chennai were cancelled due to bad weather and operational reasons. IndiGo flights from Chennai to Mangaluru and Trichy, along with their return flights, were among those cancelled.
from Latest News, Breaking News, LIVE News, Top News Headlines, Viral Video, Cricket LIVE, Sports, Entertainment, Business, Health, Lifestyle and Utility News | India.Com https://ift.tt/6Pb7cNO