Cyclone Fengal Live, TN, Puducherry rains Live News: Cyclone Fengal remnants drench Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala

As Cyclone Fengal wreaks havoc across many districts of Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia for the families of seven people who lost their lives in a landslide due to heavy downpour in Thiruvannamalai district.

“I express my deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of those who died in this accident and have ordered that each of the families of the deceased be provided with Rs. 5 lakhs each from the Chief Minister’s General Relief Fund,” Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said in a press release.

This comes after seven people including five children were trapped under the ground in a landslide in Thiruvannamalai. According to the press release, the deceased have been identified as Rajkumar and his wife Meena (27). The family was residing on 11th Street in VOC Nagar.

The incident occurred around 4:00 in the afternoon when Rajkumar came to know that a tree had fallen on his house. A huge rock rolled down from the mountain and fell on top of his house, the release read, adding that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was informed about the incident and 39 soldiers engaged in the rescue operations. - ANI

All schools and colleges will remain closed in four districts of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday due to heavy rainfall from Cyclone Fengal.“All schools in the Nilgiris district will be closed on December 3, 2024, in view of heavy rainfall,” announced District Magistrate Lakshmi Bhavya on Tuesday.As the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted more rains due to the cyclonic storm, Fengal, schools and colleges in Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Puducherry districts will also remain closed on Tuesday.In other districts, such as Ranipet, Salem, and Tiruvannamalai, only schools will remain shut.In Kallakurichi, schools under Thirukovilur Town, and in Krishnagiri, schools under Pechampalli, Uthangarai Taluk will also remain closed due to the rains.Earlier on Monday, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin visited Cyclone Fengal-affected areas of Dharmapuri district of the state.He also inspected the restoration work of the land bridge at the foot of Vathalmalai in the district.Chief Minister MK Stalin criticized the Central government for not allowing MPs to discuss the cyclone’s impact in Parliament.“In Parliament, MPs were not allowed to speak about Cyclone Fengal. As part of our responsibility, we are assessing the damages and will send a report. That is our duty and responsibility. It is also their responsibility to respond, but they are refusing to do so. Despite this, we are doing our best,” CM Stalin told reporters in Chennai.He also criticized the Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami, saying that while the AIADMK leader continues to make accusations, the public is aware of how good the schemes of the state government are.The CM lauded the district officers and relief teams for their work amid flooding and heavy rains triggered by the cyclone.“Deputy chief minister, ministers, public representatives, coordinating officers, district collectors, and rescue and relief team are working with dedication. I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure normalcy is restored. I have advised officials to complete all ground-level work promptly,” he said.He assured that people affected by the cyclone would receive adequate compensation for losses, including damages to livestock, homes, or loss of life.Detailing relief efforts, the CM said that 18 rescue teams, comprising 493 members, are actively conducting operations across various districts.In Villupuram district, 407 personnel from seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and eight State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams -- 15 teams in total -- are working on relief efforts.In Cuddalore, 56 personnel from NDRF and SDRF are engaged in operations, while in Tiruvannamalai, a 30-member team is handling rescue work.”Rescue operations are going at the site of the Tiruvannamalai landslide. IIT engineers have been called to assist at the affected location,” the CM said.Speaking about relief camps set up in affected areas, CM Stalin said that over 7,000 people are currently staying in 147 camps.He stated, “A total of 147 relief camps are operational, accommodating 7,776 people. All necessary arrangements, including water, food, and medical supplies, have been made for them.”

Tamil Nadu government on Monday urged the Centre to immediately assist ₹2,000 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund to temporarily restore damaged infrastructure and livelihood affected by Cyclone Fengal.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister MK Stalin said Cyclone Fengal has caused unprecedented devastation across 14 districts of Tamil Nadu.

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Krishnagiri: View of vehichles swept away in flooded Uthangarai area following heavy rainfall in the aftermath of Cyclone Fengal, in Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu, Monday, Dec. 2, 2024.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a warning of significant rainfall in Kerala due to cyclone Fengal, currently positioned as a strong low-pressure area over northern Tamil Nadu.

The system is expected to intensify as it moves towards the Arabian Sea, passing over northern Kerala and Karnataka by December 3, the IMD said.

Kerala is forecast to experience light to moderate rain across most regions on Monday, with isolated areas likely to receive very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, it added.

On Tuesday, heavy to very heavy rain is anticipated in the northern and central parts of the state. Intermittent light to moderate rain with occasional thunderstorms is expected to persist over the next five days, IMD said.

Red alerts have been issued for five northern districts—Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram—on Monday. Palakkad, Thrissur, Idukki, and Ernakulam districts are under an orange alert, while Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta are on a yellow alert. - PTI

Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka will continue to receive rainfall for the next two days owing to the impact of Cyclone Fengal that has now weakened, the India Meteorological Department said on Monday.

Bengaluru has been receiving rain since Sunday evening and as per IMD officials, Coastal Karanataka and parts of South Interior Karnataka are likely to experience widespread rainfall today, while light to moderate rainfall on Tuesday.

Rainfall is likely to decrease from Wednesday onwards in these regions, the officials said.

In a statement, the IMD said that the Depression (Remnant of Cyclonic Storm “FENGAL”) over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry moved nearly westwards and weakened into a well marked low pressure area at 5.30 am as of today, over North Interior Tamil Nadu.

The remnant low pressure area is likely to emerge over southeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea off north Kerala Karnataka coasts around December 3.

A yellow alert has been issued for Bengaluru and districts like Hassan, Mandya and Ramanagara for Monday, said C S Patil, India Meteorological Department, Bengaluru director.

The widespread rainfall in Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka from Sunday is due to the impact of Fengal, he said.

An orange alert has been issued for districts like Udupi, Chikmagaluru, Chikkabalbura which are expected to receive very heavy to heavy rainfall, according to IMD officials.

An orange alert means very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm.

According to IMD statement, On December 2, scattered heavy to very heavy with isolated extremely heavy rain is very likely to occur over Kodagu district while scattered heavy to very heavy rain is very likely over Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Chamarajanagar, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru and Mysuru districts.

Scattered heavy rainfall is very likely to occur over Hassan, Mandya and Ramanagara districts while moderate rains are very likely to occur at most places over Tumkur, Bengaluru Rural, Bengaluru Urban, Chikkaballapura, Chitradurga and Kolar districts.

Additionally, the IMD has forecast that light rains are very likely to occur at a few places over the remaining districts of North Interior Karnataka.

For December 2 and 3, the IMD forecast squally weather with wind speed 35 kmph to 45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph as likely to prevail along South Karnataka Coast and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the above sea areas during the mentioned period.

Meanwhile, in view of incessant rains due to the impact of Cyclone Fengal, the Deputy Commissioners of Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Chamarajanagara and Mysuru have declared a holiday for schools and colleges in these districts on December 2 as a precautionary measure.

For December 3, the IMD officials have forecast isolated heavy rain over Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Mysuru, Kodagu, Ramanagara, Chamarajanagar districts.

“Moderate rains are very likely to occur at many places over Tumkur, Bengaluru Rural, Bengaluru Urban, Chikkaballapura and Kolar districts while light to moderate rains are very likely to occur at many places over Uttara Kannada district and the remaining districts of South Interior Karnataka,” the IMD stated.

Villupuram district in north Tamil Nadu continues to reel under unprecedented flooding, and Chief Minister M K Stalin on Monday inspected the region and interacted with the affected people and distributed relief to them.

With temporary suspension of all train services via Villupuram, hundreds of passengers were affected and a railway official hinted at resumption of services, by complying with safety norms, as and when the condition improved. The traffic on the key Chennai-Tiruchirappalli national highway, in and around Villupuram, was also hit. 

Read more here.

The effects of Cyclone Fengal have been devastating after the storm made landfall, causing extremely heavy rainfall in coastal regions of north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.The union territory witnessed severe flooding, especially in areas surrounding the Sankaraparani River, with over 200 residences in NR Nagar inundated. The people living in the area remain stranded as the Indian Army along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are working together in rescue operations.

The rescue teams are making efforts to save the lives of those stranded in their houses due to flooding. The army has deployed boats to navigate the flooded streets of Puducherry and evacuate residents.

Local authorities, including the District Collector and the Public Works Department Minister, are also on the ground, assessing the situation and expediting relief efforts.

The Indian Army conducted multiple rescue operations on Sunday across several areas in the city. The rescue operations were conducted in flood-hit areas in the Union Territory, including Krishna Nagar, Kuber Nagar, and Jiva Nagar.The operations successfully evacuated hundreds of residents from these inundated areas, saving over 200 lives in Krishna Nagar and Kuber Nagar alone.

On Sunday afternoon, the rescue efforts were ongoing in Jiva Nagar, with 30 soldiers deployed to help stranded people. Additionally, the evacuation operations in other vulnerable areas are also underway.

Indian Army troops from the Chennai Garrison Battalion, operating under the Dakshin Bharat Area, were mobilized in the early hours of Sunday to assist in rescue operations in flood-affected areas of Puducherry.

The winter chill is likely to make a comeback in Jharkhand from Wednesday, with the Met Department forecasting a fall in the minimum temperature by three-five degrees Celsius, an official said.

The state has been experiencing fog and cloudy skies under the residual influence of cyclone Fengal since Saturday.

Cyclone Fengal made landfall near Puducherry on Saturday, bringing torrential rain and inundating several places in the Union Territory.

The clouds led to an increase in the night temperatures in Jharkhand, while the mercury settled lower during the day, the official said. - PTI

North Interior Tamil Nadu, South Interior Karnataka and Rayalaseema:Light to moderate rain at many places with isolated heavy rainfallover north interior Tamil Nadu; south interior Karnataka; and adjoining Rayalaseema today (Monday).

Coastal Karnataka: Light to moderate rain with heavy rainat isolated places both today and tomorrow (Monday and Tuesday).

Kerala:Light to moderate rain activity at most places with heavy to very heavy rainat a few places and extremely heavy rain at isolated places today and heavy rainat isolated places tomorrow.

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Heavy rainfall has been recorded in several parts of Tamil Nadu since Saturday morning. Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall on the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Saturday, November 30, has caused widespread flooding in several areas, particularly in Cuddalore.

A holiday has also been declared in schools and colleges in Villupuram, Cuddalore, Vellore, and Ranipet districts of Tamil Nadu. The announcement was made by the respective local administrations due to the bad weather conditions caused by Cyclone Fengal.

The remnant low-pressure area is expected to emerge over the southeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea off the north Kerala-Karnataka coasts around December 3, 2024. The system is being continuously monitored by the Doppler Weather Radar at Karaikal,” the IMD added. - ANI

Erstwhile rain-spewing cyclone Fengal has weakened three times over to a well-marked low-pressure area but was spotted hovering over north interior Tamil Nadu after making a calamitous landfall near Puducherry.

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The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday stated that the depression, a remnant of Cyclonic Storm Fengal over the north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, moved west-northwestward at a speed of 7 km/h during the past six hours and was centred at 11:30 pm on December 1 (Sunday).“The depression (remnant of Cyclonic Storm Fengal) over the north coastal Tamil Nadu & Puducherry moved west-northwestward at a speed of 7 km/h during the past six hours and was centered at 23:30 IST on December 1, 2024, near latitude 12.2°N and longitude 79.2°E, about 40 km northwest of Villupuram, 70 km west-northwest of Puducherry, about 80 km northwest of Cuddalore, and 140 km southwest of Chennai,” the IMD posted on X.“It is likely to continue moving west-northwestward and gradually weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area over north interior Tamil Nadu during the next six hours. The remnant low-pressure area is expected to emerge over the southeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea off the north Kerala-Karnataka coasts around December 3, 2024. The system is being continuously monitored by the Doppler Weather Radar at Karaikal,” the IMD added.Speaking on the cyclone situation in Puducherry, Lieutenant Governor Kailashnathan said, “This has been one of the highest rainfalls in Puducherry. In the last 24 hours, we recorded 48.6 cm of rainfall. The drainage infrastructure is not capable of draining such a large quantity of downpour in a day. Electric substations have been submerged, and we had to shut down the power supply. A lot of trees have fallen, many on electric lines, and those lines need to be restored. By tonight, all substations will be re-energized.”Meanwhile, due to heavy rainfall caused by Cyclone Fengal, a holiday has been declared for Monday in all government and government-aided schools, private schools, and colleges in Puducherry, said the Union Territory’s Education Minister A. Namachivayam on Sunday. 

-ANI

In view of heavy rainfall due to cyclone Fengal, a holiday has been declared for Monday in all the government and government-aided schools, private schools and all colleges in Puducherry, said the Union Territory’s Education Minister A. Namachivayam on Sunday.A holiday has also been declared in schools and colleges of Villupuram, Cuddalore, Vellore and Ranipet districts of Tamil Nadu.The announcement has been made by the respective local administrations in view of the bad weather conditions caused due to the effects of Cyclone Fengal.Heavy rainfall has been recorded in several parts of Tamil Nadu since yesterday morning.Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall on the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Saturday, November 30, has caused widespread flooding in several areas, particularly in Cuddalore.As the storm moves westward, heavy rainfall is expected in parts of Andhra Pradesh, including coastal and Rayalaseema regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued warnings for continued severe weather in these areas.KVS Srinivas, Managing Director of the Cyclone Warning Centre in Visakhapatnam, said that cyclone Fengal is likely to move westwards very slowly, as it has remained stationary at the same location for the past six hours.He further mentioned that moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in several regions of Andhra Pradesh, including the coastal and Rayalaseema regions, in the next 24 hours.“Cyclone Fengal crossed North Tamil Nadu between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm last night. It is now moving westward. During the past six hours, it has been stationary at the same location. It is likely to move westwards very slowly. As we forecasted for coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema, heavy t very heavy rainfall was recorded at some places in these regions. Many areas in Rayalaseema have recorded heavy rainfall. Today, moderate rainfall is likely to continue in many places of coastal Andhra Pradesh,” said Srinivas.“Heavy rainfall is forecasted for Kakinada and other districts of north coastal Andhra Pradesh, as well as for Nellore in the south coastal region. Heavy rainfall is also expected in several areas of Rayalaseema in the next 24 hours,” he added.Meanwhile, several districts in Tamil Nadu continue to experience incessant rainfall after Cyclone Fengal made landfall on November 30. Residential areas in the Cuddalore district have been flooded, and disaster teams are using boats to rescue affected residents.The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with the local administration, is actively involved in rescue operations, using boats to evacuate people from flood-hit areas.Earlier, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Cyclone Fengal made landfall on the coasts of Puducherry and Tamil Nadu and remained stationary for six hours near the Union Territory, approximately 30 kilometres north of Cuddalore and 40 kilometres east of Viluppuram.According to the IMD, Cyclone Fengal crossed the North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts late on Saturday night, between 10:30 pm and 11:30 pm IST, with wind speeds of 70-80 km/h, gusting up to 90 km/h.

-ANI

Continuous heavy rainfall caused by Cyclone Fengal has led to overflowing dams in Kanchipuram, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for the district on Sunday.

In the past 30 hours, 163 millimetres of rainfall has been recorded in the Kanchipuram district, 207 millimeters in Uthiramerur, 134 millimeters in Walajabad, 140 millimeters in Sriperumbudur, 114 millimeters in Kundrathur and 134 millimeters in Chembarambakkam.

Additionally, 10 out of 381 lakes in Kanchipuram district and 103 out of 528 lakes in Chengalpattu district have reached their full capacity. - ANI

Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall on the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Saturday, November 30, has caused widespread flooding in several areas, particularly in Cuddalore.

As the storm moves westward, heavy rainfall is expected in parts of Andhra Pradesh, including coastal and Rayalaseema regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued warnings for continued severe weather in these areas.

KVS Srinivas, Managing Director of the Cyclone Warning Centre in Visakhapatnam, said that cyclone Fengal is likely to move westwards very slowly, as it has remained stationary at the same location for the past six hours. - ANI

Cyclone Fengal lashes Puducherry and Tamil Nadu with record rainfall, causing widespread disruptions. Watch as the powerful storm wreaks havoc, leading to waterlogging, uprooted trees, and power outages. Video: PTI

After a video of an IndiGo flight aborting its landing at the Chennai International Airport amid the turbulent weather ahead of Cyclone Fengal’s landfall has gone viral, promoting the airline to issue a clarification and stating that the crew executed a go-around following established safety protocols on November 30.

The statement issued by the IndiGo Airline stated that the cockpit crew of flight 6E 683, operating from Mumbai to Chennai on November 30, executed a go-around after attempting to land in adverse weather conditions. The manoeuvre was carried out following the established safety protocols.

The viral video shows the IndiGo plane struggling with crosswinds and turbulence as it approaches the runway. After making a brief touchdown, the pilot aborts the landing and takes off again, ensuring the safety of the passengers and the crew.

Read more here.

After making landfall near Puducherry on November 30, Cyclone Fengal weakened on Sunday, but torrential downpour under its influence paralysed the union territory, with the Army stepping in to evacuate stranded persons in inundated streets. Old-timers recalled such a fury of nature was not witnessed in this tiny UT for the last three decades.

Villupuram in neighbouring Tamil Nadu also suffered following heavy rains and inundation, with Chief Minister M K Stalin terming the rainfall in the district as ‘unprecedented.’ Operations at the Chennai airport, which had been suspended on Saturday, resumed past midnight but many flights suffered cancellations and delays initially, officials said. However, later in the day, operations were normal.

According to the latest update from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Fengal has weakened into a deep depression. - PTI

Amid the flooding in many districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the Indian Army conducted multiple rescue operations on Sunday across several flood-hit areas in Puducherry, including Krishna Nagar, Kuber Nagar, and Jiva Nagar, following severe flooding caused by Cyclone Fengal.

The operations successfully evacuated hundreds of residents from these inundated areas, saving over 200 lives in Krishna Nagar and Kuber Nagar alone.

In Jiva Nagar, rescue efforts are ongoing, with 30 soldiers deployed to help all those people who are stranded. Evacuation operations in other vulnerable areas are underway.

Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall near Puducherry on November 30, remained stationary near the union territory and would gradually weaken in the next three hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Sunday.

Meanwhile, operations at the Chennai airport, which had been suspended on Saturday, resumed past midnight but many flights suffered cancellations and delays, officials said. - PTI

Source: X/@PTI_News

Blockages at the Elcot Marshland culvert have been cleared, ensuring free water flow. CMRL teams remain on full-time alert across all Phase 2 sites to monitor Cyclone Feinjal and address potential flooding.

Source: X/ @cmrlofficial

Troops of Indian Army rescue over 100 personnel in #Puducherry affected by #FengalCyclone. A 70 member HADR column, led by Maj Ajay Sangwan began rescue ops early in morning in severely flooded Krishnanagar area. Relief efforts continue to ensure the safety of those affected.

Source: X/ @PRODefNgp

Source: X/@ChennaiRmc

Many districts in Tamil Nadu are witnessing incessant rainfall after Cyclone Fengal made landfall last on November 30. Residential areas in Cuddalore district were flooded due to heavy rainfall and disaster teams are using boats to rescue people.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team led by District Collector Balaraman is rescuing the affected people with the help of boats.

The Tamil Nadu Disaster Rescue team removed a tree that fell on the national highway in Chinna Gangankuppam, a border area of Cuddalore and Puducherry, with the help of a JCB machine.

Meanwhile, Indian Army troops from the Chennai Garrison Battalion, operating under the Dakshin Bharat Area, were mobilized in the early hours of Sunday to assist in rescue operations in flood-affected areas of Puducherry.

ANI

(Source: X/ @AAI_Official)

(Source: X/@aaichnairport)

(data as at 1.30 pm)

Source: X/@ChennaiRmc)

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Rescue operation underway as Cyclone Fengal brings heavy rain to Puducherry

IMD predicts heavy rainfall in Puducherry as Cyclone Fengal hits, with ongoing rescue operations for stranded individuals.

ANI video

(Source: X/@ChennaiRmc)

Cyclone Fengal killed at least 19 people in India and Sri Lanka and caused flooding in Tamil Nadu state and the Puducherry region after crossing India’s southern coast from the Bay of Bengal on Saturday.

Puducherry had been hit by the heaviest 24-hour rainfall in 30 years, India’s weather office said on social media on Sunday.

The cyclone left parts of the southern city of Chennai inundated. Flights from the city were temporarily suspended on Saturday, but had resumed as of early Sunday morning, India’s airport authority said.

Visuals on local media showed gusty winds and heavy rainfall with roads submerged and boats being used to rescue people.

The Indian army was running relief operations in Puducherry for people in the eye of the storm, while rainfall eased in Chennai.

In Sri Lanka, 16 people were killed, with heavy rains affecting a total of 138,944 families, the latest data from the Disaster Management Centre in Colombo showed.

Reuters

Many districts in Tamil Nadu are witnessing incessant rainfall after Cyclone Fengal made landfall last on November 30. Residential areas in Cuddalore district were flooded due to heavy rainfall and disaster teams are using boats to rescue people.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team led by District Collector Balaraman is rescuing the affected people with the help of boats.

The Tamil Nadu Disaster Rescue team removed a tree that fell on the national highway in Chinna Gangankuppam, a border area of Cuddalore and Puducherry, with the help of a JCB machine.

Meanwhile, Indian Army troops from the Chennai Garrison Battalion, operating under the Dakshin Bharat Area, were mobilized in the early hours of Sunday to assist in rescue operations in flood-affected areas of Puducherry.

Requisitioned by the Puducherry District Collector around 1 am, a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) column consisting of one officer, six Junior commissioned officers and 62 other ranks was deployed swiftly. The team left Chennai at 2 am and covered a distance of 160 kilometres overnight, reaching Puducherry around 5:30 am.

The team led by Major Ajay Sangwan was briefed about the critical situation in the Krishna Nagar area upon reaching Puducherry. The water level in some localities of Krishna Nagar rose to nearly five feet, leaving residents of nearly 500 houses stranded.

The efforts made by the Indian Army during its rescue operations started at 6:15 am, with over 100 individuals being evacuated in the first two hours.

Earlier, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) informed Cyclone Fengal made landfall on the coasts of Puducherry and Tamil Nadu and remained stationary for the last six hours close to the union territory nearly 30 kilometres north of Cuddalore and 40 kms east of Villupuram.

The IMD said that as of 5:30 am, the cyclone has not moved in the past six hours and remains stationary 120 kilometres south-southwest of Chennai.

It is expected to move westward slowly and likely to weaken into a deep depression over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the next six hours, as per IMD. The weather department has issued a red alert for north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh.

Earlier in the day, Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy said that Puducherry received 50 centimetres of rainfall overnight which has led to flooding in the city. Rescue teams are working to evacuate stranded people, he said.

“Puducherry has received 50 cm of rainfall, resulting in severe flooding. I am currently inspecting the flood-affected areas. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to evacuate those stranded in the floodwaters,” Chief Minister N Rangasamy told ANI.

Cyclone Fengal brought extremely heavy rainfall to Puducherry, with the Union Territory recording 48.4 centimetres of rain over 24 hours till 8:30 AM on December 1. This marked the highest 24-hour cumulative rainfall in the last 30 years between years 1995 to 2024.

Meanwhile, the Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train services resumed normal operations in all suburban districts from December 1, railway officials said on Sunday. A Elumalai, Public Relations Officer from Chennai Divison, said that the train services in Chennai started their operations.

The EMU train services were severely affected on Saturday due to the heavy rainfall in Chennai, owing to Cyclonic storm Fengal that made landfall in Puducherry and coastal districts of north Tamil Nadu.

ANI

A rare cyclone for Dharmapuri and Tirupattur districts. Heavy rains now over Vikaravandi the CDO clouds are right over Vikkravandi belts

(Source: X/@praddy06)

(Source: X/@DrmChennai)

Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy on Sunday said that Puducherry received 50 centimetres of rainfall overnight that has led to flooding in the city.

Rescue teams are working to evacuate stranded people, he said.

“Puducherry has received 50 cm of rainfall, resulting in severe flooding. I am currently inspecting the flood-affected areas. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to evacuate those stranded in the floodwaters,” Chief Minister N Rangasamy told ANI.

Cyclone Fengal brought extremely heavy rainfall to Puducherry, with the Union Territory recording 48.4 centimetres of rain over 24 hours till 8:30 AM on December 1. This marked the highest 24-hour cumulative rainfall in the last 30 years between years 1995 to 2024.

Meanwhile, the Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train services resumed normal operations in all suburban districts from December 1, railway officials said on Sunday. A Elumalai, Public Relations Officer from Chennai Divison, said that the train services in Chennai started their operations.

The EMU train services were severely affected on Saturday due to the heavy rainfall in Chennai, owing to Cyclonic storm Fengal that made landfall in Puducherry and coastal districts of north Tamil Nadu.

Earlier, Indian Army troops from the Chennai Garrison Battalion, operating under the Dakshin Bharat Area, were mobilized in the early hours of Sunday to assist in rescue operations in flood-affected areas of Puducherry.

Requisitioned by the Puducherry District Collector around 1 am, a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) column consisting of one officer, six Junior commissioned officers and 62 other ranks was deployed swiftly. The team left Chennai at 2 am and covered a distance of 160 kilometres overnight, reaching Puducherry around 5:30 am.

The team led by Major Ajay Sangwan was briefed about the critical situation in the Krishna Nagar area upon reaching Puducherry. The water level in some localities of Krishna Nagar rose to nearly five feet, leaving residents of nearly 500 houses stranded.

The efforts made by the Indian Army during its rescue operations started at 6:15 am, with over 100 individuals being evacuated in the first two hours.

Cyclone Fengal remains stationary for the last six hours close to the union territory nearly 30 kilometres north of Cuddalore and 40 kms east of Villupuram.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) informed that as of 5:30 in the morning, the cyclone has not moved in the past six hours and remains stationary 120 kilometres south-southwest of Chennai.

It is expected to move westward slowly and likely to weaken into a deep depression over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the next six hours, as per IMD.

After Cyclone Fengal made landfall yesterday, the beaches in Chennai witnessed high tides and rough sea conditions this morning. The weather forecast issued by the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) predicted “isolated heavy to very heavy” rainfall in Chennai for Sunday.

The official statement added that residents in the affected areas have been advised to remain indoors and follow all instructions from local authorities to ensure their safety. Meanwhile, people living in nearby areas have been shifted to relief camps near Kalpakkam in Chengalpattu district, in the wake of Cyclone Fengal.

ANI

Cyclone Fengal atlast moves inland and we can see the dense CDO bands around the centre moving into Villupuram. Only SW of cyclone has clouding now and this will shift to West side once cyclone takes west route. 

Normal life was crippled in Puducherry on Sunday due to heavy rains that lashed the union territory in the wake of Cyclone Fengal, which crossed the coast here on November 30 night.

According to India Meteorological Department, Puducherry recorded 46 cm rainfall during the last 24 hours ending 9 am today.

Cyclone Fengal triggered heavy rainfall leading to inundation of all residential areas on the outskirts Of boulevard limits. Trees were uprooted at various places under the impact of the cyclonic storm. Power outage was reported in most of the localities since 11 pm on Saturday.

PTI

Tamil Nadu & Puducherry: Light to moderate rainfall at many places with heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places over interior Tamil Nadu & Puducherry on Sunday, and heavy rain at isolated places over Tamil Nadu on Monday and Tuesday.

Coastal Andhra Pradesh: Light to moderate rain at many places with heavy rain at isolated places on Sunday. 

Rayalaseema: Light to moderate rain at many places with heavy rain at isolated places on Sunday. South Interior Karnataka: Light to moderate rain at many places with heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places on Sunday and Monday. 

Kerala: Light to moderate rain at many places with isolated heavy rain likely on Sunday; and heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places on Monday and Tuesday.

Full report

Cyclone Fengal has refused to wink even once as it retained intensity and strength at 5.30 am before stalling yet again close to Puducherry about 30 km north of Cuddalore; 40 km east of Villupuram; and 120 km south-southwest of Chennai, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in an update issued at 9.30 am. 

Moderate to heavy to very heavy rain bands continued to pour down over Puducherry and the neighbourhood extending over an area bounded by Tirupathi, Chittoor, Tiruvannamalai, Salem, Tiruchirappalli, Muthupet and Cuddalore, the European Centre for Medium-Ranger Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) said.

Report by Vinson Kurian of businessline | Read here

Indian Army troops from the Chennai Garrison Battalion, operating under the Dakshin Bharat Area, were mobilized in the early hours of Sunday to assist in rescue operations in flood-affected areas of Puducherry.

Requisitioned by the Puducherry District Collector around 1 am, a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) column consisting of one officer, six Junior commissioned officers and 62 other ranks was deployed swiftly. The team left Chennai at 2 am and covered a distance of 160 kilometres overnight, reaching Puducherry around 5:30 am.

The team led by Major Ajay Sangwan was briefed about the critical situation in the Krishna Nagar area upon reaching Puducherry. The water level in some localities of Krishna Nagar rose to nearly five feet, leaving residents of nearly 500 houses stranded.

The efforts made by the Indian Army during its rescue operations started at 6:15 am, with over 100 individuals being evacuated in the first two hours.

Cyclone Fengal remains stationary for the last six hours close to the union territory nearly 30 kilometres north of Cuddalore and 40 kms east of Villupuram.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) informed that as of 5:30 in the morning, the cyclone has not moved in the past six hours and remains stationary 120 kilometres south-southwest of Chennai.

It is expected to move westward slowly and likely to weaken into a deep depression over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the next six hours, as per IMD.

The weather department has issued a red alert for north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh.

“The Cyclonic Storm Fengal over north coastal Tamil Nadu & Puducherry remained stationary during past 6 hours and lay centred at 0530 hours IST of today, the 1st December 2024 over the same region near latitude 12.0°N and longitude 79.8°E, close to Puducherry, about 30 km north of Cuddalore, 40 km east of Villupuram and 120 km south-southwest of Chennai. It is likely to move westwards slowly and weaken gradually into a deep depression over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry during the next 6 hours. The system is being continuously monitored,” IMD said.

After Cyclone Fengal made landfall yesterday, the beaches in Chennai witnessed high tides and rough sea conditions this morning. The weather forecast issued by the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) predicted “isolated heavy to very heavy” rainfall in Chennai for Sunday.

The official statement added that residents in the affected areas have been advised to remain indoors and follow all instructions from local authorities to ensure their safety. Meanwhile, people living in nearby areas have been shifted to relief camps near Kalpakkam in Chengalpattu district, in the wake of Cyclone Fengal. 

ANI

Cyclone Fengal that made landfall in the coasts of Puducherry and Tamil Nadu remains stationary for the last six hours close to the union territory nearly 30 kilometres north of Cuddalore and 40 kms east of Villupuram.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) informed that as of 5:30 am, the cyclone has not moved in the past six hours and remains stationary 120 kilometres south-southwest of Chennai.

It is expected to move westward slowly and likely to weaken into a deep depression over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the next six hours, as per IMD. The weather department has issued a red alert for north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh.

“The Cyclonic Storm Fengal over north coastal Tamil Nadu & Puducherry remained stationary during past 6 hours and lay centred at 0530 hours IST of today, the 1st December 2024 over the same region near latitude 12.0°N and longitude 79.8°E, close to Puducherry, about 30 km north of Cuddalore, 40 km east of Villupuram and 120 km south-southwest of Chennai. It is likely to move westwards slowly and weaken gradually into a deep depression over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry during the next 6 hours. The system is being continuously monitored,” IMD said.

After Cyclone Fengal made landfall yesterday, the beaches in Chennai witnessed high tides and rough sea conditions this morning. The weather forecast issued by the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) predicted “isolated heavy to very heavy” rainfall in Chennai for Sunday.

Rough sea conditions were seen on the beaches of Chennai including Marina, Pattinapakkam and Elliot’s Beach. Due to strong winds, the beach sand came to the Pattinapakkam beach road due to high tide. The Greater Chennai Corporation staff cleared the sand from the Pattinapakkam beach road with the help of JCB.

According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), the winds reached 70-80 kilometres per hour to 90 kmph in the coastal districts of north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh.

“It is likely to decrease from night of 30th November and becoming squally wind speed reaching 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph from morning of 1st December and decrease gradually further thereafter,” the bulletin released by IMD read.

Isolated places over north Tamil Nadu are likely to witness “heavy to very heavy rainfall” today. The weather department had informed that the wind speed along and off north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts would reach “70-80 kilometres per hour gusting to 90 kmph”.

“It is likely to prevail till the night of November 30 and gradually decrease thereafter,” IMD said in its National Bulletin. 

ANI

Cyclone Fengal may have assured itself a place for itself in history books for sheer extended life even after crossing close to Puducherry, which itself was delayed until far beyond the timeline estimated by India Meteorological Department (IMD) last (Saturday) evening even as it generates prodigious rain.

Heavy cloud cover

Satellite pictures at 8.40 am showed heavy clouds/rain hung over Puducherry, Neyveli, Maduranthakam, Kanchipuram, Vellore, Ambur, Tiruvannamalai, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Attur, Erode, Namakkal, Permabalur and Tiruchirappalli. Neighbouring Kerala too has issued yellow alert and moderate to heavy rain warning in some districts for next few days.

Drags landfall process

Fengal dug in its heels after dragging the landfall process beyond forecast, bringing onward movement over land to a crawl well past midnight to until as late as 2.30 am this (Sunday) morning. An IMD update at 2.30 am said the cyclone hardly blinked a bit remained practically stationary close to Puducherry as a cyclone buffeted by winds speeding to 65-75 km/hr gusting to 85 km/hr. 

Report by Vinson Kurian of businessline | Read here

(Source: X/@aaichnairport)

Source: X/ @ChennaiRmc

Cyclone Fengal still in open seas and has not crossed the coast (refer the images given including satellite pass) and expected to cross the coast by today noon to evening time. With stuck cyclone, today too Cuddalore, Pondy, Villupuram, Kallakuruchi, Salem will be in hot spot. Till today evening the Cyclone is going to stay there. Chennai today to get on and off rains and sudden short intense spells too.

(Source: X/@praddy06)

Cyclone Fengal which crossed north Tamil Nadu coasts and made landfall in Puducherry on November 30 late night, the beaches in Chennai witnessed high tides and rough sea conditions. The weather forecast issued by the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) predicted “isolated heavy to very heavy” rainfall in Chennai for Sunday.

Rough sea conditions were seen on the beaches of Chennai including Marina, Pattinapakkam and Elliot’s Beach. Due to strong winds, the beach sand came to the Pattinapakkam beach road due to high tide. The Greater Chennai Corporation staff cleared the sand from the Pattinapakkam beach road with the help of JCB.

According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), the winds reached 70-80 kilometres per hour to 90 kmph in the coastal districts of north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh.

“It is likely to decrease from night of 30th November and becoming squally wind speed reaching 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph from morning of 1st December and decrease gradually further thereafter,” the bulletin released by IMD read.

Isolated places over north Tamil Nadu are likely to witness “heavy to very heavy rainfall” today. The weather department had informed that the wind speed along and off north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts would reach “70-80 kilometres per hour gusting to 90 kmph”.

“It is likely to prevail till the night of November 30 and gradually decrease thereafter,” IMD said in its National Bulletin.

IMD predicted “extremely heavy” rainfall in the union territory of Puducherry for today and “moderate” for December 2.

Cyclone Fengal crossed between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram coasts yesterday near Puducherry. The cyclone made landfall on the Union Territory’s coast on Saturday.

“The Cyclonic Storm FENGAL crossed North Tamil Nadu & Puducherry coasts near latitude 12.05°N and longitude 79.9°E, close to Puducherry, between 2230 hrs IST and 2330 hrs IST yesterday, the 30th November as a cyclonic storm with wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph. It lay centred at 2330 hours IST yesterday, the 30th of November over north coastal Tamilnadu & Puducherry near latitude 12.0°N and longitude 79.8°E, close to Puducherry. It will continue to move west-southwestwards slowly and weaken gradually into a deep depression during the next 3 hours,” IMD wrote on X.

The official statement added that residents in the affected areas have been advised to remain indoors and follow all instructions from local authorities to ensure their safety.

Meanwhile, people living in nearby areas have been shifted to relief camps near Kalpakkam in Chengalpattu district, in the wake of Cyclone Fengal.

ANI

Operations at the Chennai airport, which had been suspended on Sunday, resumed past midnight but many flights suffered cancellations and delays, officials said.

Operations at the Chennai airport resumed past midnight on Saturday but there were cancellations and delays. As many as 24 domestic services were cancelled and 26 international flights, both arriving and departing were delayed, officials said.

Inputs from PTI

Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall near Puducherry on November 30, remained stationary near the union territory and would gradually weaken in the next three hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Sunday.

Meanwhile, operations at the Chennai airport, which had been suspended on Sunday, resumed past midnight but many flights suffered cancellations and delays, officials said.

Further, Puducherry recorded its highest rainfall of 46 cm, IMD-Regional Meteorological Centre, Additional Director General, S Balachandran, said in an update at 7.30 am on Sunday.

He said Cyclone Fengal started making landfall near Puducherry around 5.30 pm on Saturday and completed the process “between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm.” It now lay close to Puducherry.

“It is likely to move westwards slowly and weaken gradually into a deep depression over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry (Puducherry),” he said.

While Mailam in Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram district recorded 50 cm rainfall during the period 8.30 am November 30 and 5.30 am Sunday, Puducherry recorded 46 cm.

This was the highest rainfall received by Puducherry. The UT had received 21 cm rainfall on October 31, 2004, he said.

Operations at the Chennai airport resumed past midnight on Saturday but there were cancellations and delays. As many as 24 domestic services were cancelled and 26 international flights, both arriving and departing were delayed, officials said.

PTI

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted extremely heavy rainfall in Puducherry on Sunday as Cyclone Fengal made landfall on the coast on Saturday evening.

According to IMD, Puducherry is likely to receive extremely heavy rainfall today and “moderate” for December 2. The cyclone made landfall on the Union Territory’s coast at 7 in the evening on Saturday.

ANI

In Chennai, milk supply and services of sanitary workers continued despite rains. Electricity supply, disconnected in most areas due to the strong winds was gradually restored. Eighteen disaster relief teams were stationed in vulnerable areas.

Chief Minister MK Stalin and his deputy Udhayanidhi Stalin reviewed the action plan being implemented and they made spot inspections. Stalin chaired a virtual meet with district collectors/top civic officials of northern districts to assess the ground situation and spoke to inmates of a relief camp in Chengelpet district.

Greater Chennai Corporation distributed food to 2,32,200 people. In 8 relief camps, nearly 200 people from low-lying areas were housed. Udhayanidhi told reporters, “food is being provided free of cost in all the 386 Amma Canteens today.” He said 1,700 motor pumps were being used to clear water-logging, on a war-footing in about 334 locations. As many as 27 fallen trees were removed immediately.

Of the 22 subways, 6 have been temporarily closed. - PTI

Operations at the Chennai airport were hit following the cyclone. Officials announced suspension of operations till 4 am Sunday following inundation of two runways and a taxiway after heavy rains and the ‘adverse weather condition’ due to cyclone Fengal.

Official sources said apart from the cancellation of 55 flights, 19 others were diverted. The services include both domestic and international flights. Earlier in the day, when the airport was operational, at least 12 flights were delayed.

The complete disruption of services left the passengers stranded and according to rough estimates from official sources, over 10,000 people could have been affected due to cancellations and diversions. - PTI

Hospitals and houses were inundated in Chennai and its neighbourhoods while people used flyovers and spaces beneath them as parking lots to avoid a repeat of what was endured during the 2015 floods.

Rainwater entered the premises of two state-run hospitals at Chromepet, a general hospital and a facility for thoracic medicine, both of which are located side by side and frequented by people.

Water was close to the level of one’s ankle even inside the hospital, leaving health care seekers and doctors in a tight spot. Police and local authorities placed sandbags at entry points and said all steps were being taken to address the issue. - PTI

Tamil Nadu Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management, KKSSR Ramachandran informed there were no immediate reports of a major damage in the aftermath of the cyclone and said related details could be known possibly by Sunday. Three persons were electrocuted in different rain-related incidents in Chennai.

The minister also indicated the cyclone did not leave the kind of impact anticipated by the authorities.

Cyclonic storm Fengal has commenced making landfall close to Puducherry and it may approximately take 4 hours for it to cross the coast completely, an India Meteorological Department official said here on Saturday.

Due to the heavy rains in Chennai caused by Cyclone Fengal, the Southern Railway has announced changes in train services.The Dr. MGR Chennai Central - Jolarpettai Yelagiri Express (Train No. 16089) scheduled to depart from Dr. MGR Chennai Central at 17:55 hours today has been fully cancelled.

Operations at the Chennai airport were suspended on Saturday due to gutsy winds and heavy rains caused by cyclone ‘Fengal’, resulting in multiple flight cancellations and impacting hundreds of passengers.

Parts of the airport were inundated due to the heavy rains.

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At least 15,000 buildings, 1,000 essential facilities, five railway stations, one airport likely impacted by rain, flooding

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Tweet by Tamil Nadu Weatherman @praddy06

Chief Minister interacts with District Collectors of Chennai, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu via video conferencing to assess conditions on the groundClick here to read more

Chennai on Saturday witnessed gusty winds and rain, uprooting many trees and causing water logging in many parts of the city as the Cyclonic Storm Fengal is expected to cross the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast this evening.

Officials were seen clearing the uprooted trees from the roadsides. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that Cyclonic Storm Fengal is expected to cross the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram on Saturday evening, with wind speeds of 70-80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph.

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Status of subways.

Tweet by Greater Chennai Traffic Police

Tweet from @ChennaiRains

#CycloneFengal seems to have encountered another round of red signal as it becomes near stationary in its westward movement. Remains about 75 kms ESE of Mahabalipuram and about 100 kms SE of #Chennai. 

The cyclonic storm Fengal on Saturday afternoon over the Southwest Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 13 km per hour during the past six hours over the same region near latitude 12.3 N and longitude 80.9 E, about 120 km north-northeast of Nagappattinam and 420 km north of Trincomalee, as per the Indian Meteorological Department.The cyclonic storm is likely to move westwards and cross the north of Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram close to Puducherry as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 70 to 80 km per hour gusting to 90 km per hour during Friday evening.

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The Cyclonic Storm “FENGAL” [pronounced as FEINJAL] over Southwest Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 10 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centred at 1130 hours IST of today, the 30th November 2024 over the same region near latitude 12.3°N and longitude 80.7°E, about 100 km east-northeast of Puducherry, 100 km southeast of Chennai, 190 km north-northeast of Nagappattinam and 420 km north of Trincomalee. It is likely to move nearly westwards and cross north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram close to Puducherry as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph during evening of 30th November. There is a possibility of slow movement of the system while approaching the coasts.

The India Meteorological Department predicted light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers at many places over south coastal and Rayalaseema regions while extremely heavy rains are expected at one or two places over SPSR-Nellore, Tirupati and Chittoor districts of Andhra Pradesh on Saturday.

According to IMD, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely at one or two places over South Coastal and Rayalaseema due to Cyclone Fengal.

Heavy rain is likely to occur at one or two places over the Prakasam, SPSR-Nellore, YSR Kadapa, Annamayya, Tirupati and Chittoor Districts on Sunday, it said.

Squally winds with speed reaching 50 Kmph may prevail over South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema.

Vehicles move on a waterlogged road after heavy rain owing to Cyclone Fengal, in Chennai, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

Cyclone Fengal was located at 8.30 am at about 120 km east-northeast of Puducherry, around where it is forecast to make a landfall towards the evening, an India Meteorological Department (IMD) update issued at 1.30 pm said. 

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As the sea was pretty rough, police put up barricades blocking access to noted beaches including the Marina and Mamallapuram. 

Due to #CycloneFengal and heavy rains in Chennai, Chennai Airport has introduced special bus services for passengers in partnership with MTC Chennai.

Chennai Airport says these buses offer safe and reliable transportation, ensuring that travellers can reach their destinations despite challenging weather conditions.

Airport authorities declared suspension of all operations till 7 pm starting from 12.30 pm.

Departure and arrival schedule of both domestic and international flights were affected. Some of the flights were diverted to Bengaluru and Tiruchirappalli and at least 18 flights were cancelled and 12 other flights were delayed.

Chennai airport authorities said IndiGo Airlines has temporarily suspended flight operations, which will resume once the weather improves.

Chennai Metro Rail said its services were operational without any glitches and informed public of parking areas in specific stations that were prone to inundation.

State-run transport corporations operated skeleton services in Chennai and nearby areas. Railway officials said EMU train services in all suburban sections in Chennai division will operate with reduced frequency until further notice. An official said that by and large, train (including express/superfast) services have not been affected, though there was some delay.

Many residents of low-lying Madipakkam parked their cars on both sides of nearby Velachery flyover. Residents of similar vulnerable areas too parked their vehicles in safe areas. Roads were largely deserted and civic workers, police, and fire and rescue personnel, deployed in vulnerable places performed rain-related relief/rescue tasks.

Reservoirs that cater to the city’s drinking water needs such as Chembarmbakkam and Poondi received copious inflow.

Greater Chennai Corporation authorities said 22,000 personnel including engineers, officials and sanitary workers were on the job and a total of 1,686 motor pumps of various capacities including 25-hp and 100-hp were in use. As many as 484 tractor-mounted heavy-duty pumps and 137 pumps of 100-hp capacity have been deployed.

The GCC said work was on in a ‘war footing’ to clear waterlogging in 134 spots and out of the 9 trees that fell, 5 have been cleared. Out of the 22 subways, traffic flow is smooth in 21 of them. The Ganesapuram subway had already been closed for tasks related to railway bridge work.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin reviewed the situation at the State Emergency Operations Centre with top officials and later told reporters that all precautionary measures have already been taken and camps have been set up for people of vulnerable areas and food was also being distributed to them. Also, the Chief Minister inspected a pumping station.

Heavy rains accompanied by gusty winds pounded several parts of northern Tamil Nadu on Saturday, affecting normalcy, as cyclonic storm Fengal, expected to make landfall near Puducherry later in the day, continued moving towards the coast.

What began as intermittent rainfall in coastal regions on the night of November 29, gradually became steady leading to inundation in several areas, including portions of the premises of government hospitals in suburban Chrompet here, and trees were uprooted in a number of places.

With cyclone Fengal approaching the coast of Tamil Nadu, heavy rain lashed several regions of the State. Visuals from across Chennai city showed that several roads were inundated due to heavy and relentless rainfall.

Several parts of Chennai city witnessed waterlogging. Water indundation till ankle level in New Washermanpet, from Gemini flyover and mount road area

Reservoirs that cater to the city’s drinking water needs such as Chembarmbakkam and Poondi received copious inflow.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin reviewed the situation at the State Emergency Operations Centre with top officials and later told reporters that all precautionary measures have already been taken and camps have been set up for people of vulnerable areas and food was also being distributed to them. Also, the Chief Minister inspected a pumping station.

Greater Chennai Corporation authorities said 22,000 personnel including engineers, officials and sanitary workers were on the job and a total of 1,686 motor pumps of various capacities including 25-hp and 100-hp were in use. As many as 484 tractor-mounted heavy-duty pumps and 137 pumps of 100-hp capacity have been deployed.

The GCC said work was on in a ‘war footing’ to clear waterlogging in 134 spots and out of the 9 trees that fell, 5 have been cleared. Out of the 22 subways, traffic flow is smooth in 21 of them. The Ganesapuram subway had already been closed for tasks related to railway bridge work. - PTI

Due to strong winds with velocities ranging between 65-73 kmph, suburban services between Chennai Beach and Velachery in the MRTS Section have been suspended from 1215 hours onwards, said Southern Railway.

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Due to strong winds with velocities ranging between 65-73 kmph, suburban services between Chennai Beach and Velachery in the MRTS Section have been suspended from 12. 15 hrs onwards, said Southern Railway.

State-run transport corporations operated skeleton services in Chennai and nearby areas. Railway officials said EMU train services in all suburban sections in Chennai division will operate with reduced frequency until further notice. An official said that by and large, train (including express/superfast) services have not been affected, though there was some delay.

Chennai Metro Rail said its services were operational without any glitches and informed public of parking areas in specific stations that were prone to inundation. - PTI

In light of Cyclonic Storm ‘Fengal’ and the forecasted high crosswinds, as predicted by IMD, Chennai Airport operations will be suspended from 1230 hrs to 1900 hrs on 30.11.2024 (Today) following safety concerns raised by stakeholder airlines. We recommend passengers check with their respective airlines regarding their flights.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday said the situation was under control in Chennai and other districts, which have been witnessing heavy rains due to Cyclone Fengal.

Speaking to reporters, he said he held a review meeting with the Chennai Corporation Commissioner and District Collectors of Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, and Chengalpattu, and was apprised of the situation on the ground and the relief measures being undertaken. Source: The Hindu

What began as intermittent rainfall in coastal regions on the night of November 29, gradually became steady leading to inundation in several areas, including portions of the premises of government hospitals in suburban Chrompet here, and trees were uprooted in a number of places. - Sourcce: The Hindu

Water logging on Thiruvanmiyur bus terminus, Chennai, due to the heavy rain preceding Fengal Cyclone on Saturday.

Chengalpattu district: 1077 | Phone: 044-27427412 and 044- 27427414 | WhatsApp: 9444272345 Source: The Hindu

The US National Centres for Environmental Prediction model delays it most until early Monday morning. Read more here.

Due to heavy rain, waterlogging has been reported in many parts of the city. There are visuals of water logging inside the airport. The Corporation is using heavy jet pumps to clear the water logging.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated there is large variation among global models with respect to land fall timing of cyclone Fengal along the Tamil Nadu coast, prompting it to lately push the expected time of the event from this (Saturday) afternoon to evening. 

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With the cyclone Fengal expected to make a landfall Saturday evening in Tamil Nadu, EMU train services in the suburban sections of the Chennai division would be operated at reduced frequency intervals, according to a press release by the Southern Railway Chennai Division PRO.

Dense rain bands have been observed over Chennai and around this morning and wind gusts are likely during the day as the cyclone has slowed down due to a weak steering environment. Heavy rain may continue to lash many parts of north Tamil Nadu coast until the system makes a landfall near Puducherry later on Saturday.

Satellite pictures at 8 am on Saturday morning showed dense to very dense cloud cover extended over the Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts all the way from Visakhapatnam to Vijayawada, Nellore, Chennai, Puducherry to Nagapattinam. It also covered the adjoining interior across Proddatur, Tirupathi, Vellore, Salem and Tiruchirappalli.

Cyclone Fengalover south-west Bay of Bengal off the Tamil Nadu coast moved north-northwest with a reduced speed of 7 km/hr during past six hours till 2.30 am on early Saturday morning, and lay centered at 210 km north-east of Nagapattinam; 180 km east of Puducherry; and 190 km south-east of Chennai.

Cyclone ‘Fengal’ is expected to make landfall in the evening, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has advised the fishermen not to venture into the sea due to the high waves and turbulent conditions.Chennai witnessed incessant heavy to moderate rainfall from last night till this morning, which has caused rough sea conditions with strong winds.The government authorities advised the public not to visit beaches in the metropolis, including Marina Beach, Pattinapakkam and Edward Elliot Beach. The tourist spots in Puducherry have been closed as a precautionary measure, owing to the cyclone Fengal. - ANI

According to the Chennai Metro Rail Ltd bulletin, normal metro train services run without any delays/deviations.

Passengers are advised not to halt their vehicles at Koyambedu Metro, St.Thomas Mount and Arumbakkam Metro station and parking lots prone to water stagnation.

The president of the Jewellers and Diamond Traders Association, Madras, Jayantilal J Challani, said that due to the Fengal cyclone and heavy rains, all jewellery shops in Chennai and other rain-affected areas will be closed today to ensure the safety of customers.

Due to the heavy rain, Southern Railway has announced that EMU train services in all suburban sections in the Chennai Division will operate at reduced frequency intervals until further notice.

This precautionary measure has been taken to ensure passenger safety during the cyclone.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has delayed the landfall of cyclone Fengal over the south-west Bay of Bengal from this afternoon to later in the evening. The cyclone paused over the waters and oriented itself towards the Chennai-Puducherry coast at 5:30 a.m. in the morning.

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IndiGo Airlines has suspended all arrivals and departures at Chennai Airport due to severe weather conditions caused by Cyclone Fengal. Flight operations will resume once conditions improve, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew, according to airport authorities.

Passengers are advised to contact their airlines for the latest updates.

Chennai braces for heavy rain during the day due to cyclone Fengal moving closer to the city. The cyclone formed 270 km southeast of Chennai on Friday night. The Met Department has said wind speed could be up to 90 kmph.

For more read

Friday’s cyclone Fengal over south-west Bay of Bengal off the Tamil Nadu coast moved north-northwest with a reduced speed of 7 km/hr during past six hours till 2.30 am on early Saturday morning, and lay centered at 210 km north-east of Nagapattinam; 180 km east of Puducherry; and 190 km south-east of Chennai.

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Satellite pictures at 8 am on Saturday morning showed dense to very dense cloud cover extended over the Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts all the way from Visakhapatnam to Vijayawada, Nellore, Chennai, Pucucherry to Nagapattinam. It also covered the adjoining interior across Proddatur, Tirupathi, Vellore, Salem and Tiruuchirappalli.

As Cyclone Fengal approaches the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, many coastal areas have experienced changes in weather, including high tides and rainfall, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported.According to the IMD, Cyclone Fengal is expected to hit the coastal area tomorrow evening. The weather department has issued warnings for North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and the adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts.The IMD stated that the cyclonic storm Fengal, located over the southwest Bay of Bengal, moved north-northwestward at a speed of 7 km/h during the past six hours. As of 11:30 PM IST on November 29, it was centered over the same region near latitude 11.8°N and longitude 81.7°E, about 360 km north of Trincomalee, 230 km east-northeast of Nagapattinam, 210 km east of Puducherry, and 210 km southeast of Chennai.The cyclone is likely to continue moving west-northwestward and cross the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, near Puducherry, as a cyclonic storm with wind speeds of 70-80 km/h, gusting to 90 km/h, during the afternoon of November 30.Earlier, as Cyclone Fengal is expected to make landfall on Saturday evening, the Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre of Chennai, Dr. S. Balachandran, said on Friday that the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu would be most affected.Dr. Balachandran told ANI, “Mostly coastal districts, with the crossing point between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry, will experience more impact. There will be wind and rainfall. Today, wind speeds reached 50-60 km/h, gusting to 70 km/h. Between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, there will be extremely heavy rainfall, and at many places, there will be scattered heavy to very heavy rainfall.”

the Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre of Chennai, Dr S Balachandran, said on Friday that the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu will be impacted more.Speaking to ANI, Dr S Balachandran said, “...Mostly coastal districts, the crossing point is between Karaikal to Mahabalipuram near Puducherry, so, all along the coastal districts, the impact will be more. There will be wind and rainfall. Today the wind speed was 50-60 kmph and gusting to 70 kmph... At one to two, there will be extremely heavy rainfall, while at many places it will be scattered heavy to very heavy rainfall.”Meanwhile, Director of Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre in Andhra Pradesh, Srinuvas said that they have issued a warning of ‘extremely heavy rainfall’ for the districts of Nellore, Tirupati and Chittoor for the next 24 hours.

In view of Cyclone Fengal and the incessant rainfall warning, a holiday has been announced for Saturday in schools and colleges of the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu, according to the District administration.This order has been issued for all educational institutions, including private ones, in the district on November 30, due to heavy rainfall warning by MeT.

Officials in Puducherry have asked the residents to stay indoors in view of cyclonic storm Fengal’s likely landfall near Puducherry on Saturday afternoon.

All schools and colleges here will remain closed on Saturday, they said.

The cyclonic storm is likely to make landfall close to Puducherry with wind speeds up to 90 kmph, the India Meteorological Department said on Friday.

District Collector A Kulothungan held discussions with the officials of PWD, local administration, police and other line departments and reviewed the situation.

The Department of Revenue and Disaster Management has set up toll-free numbers 112 and 1077 to receive distress calls from the public. People can also seek help through the WhatsApp number 9488981070.

The deep depression over south-west Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclone Fengal (pronounced Feinjal) on a day after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had written off the system as incapable of making the grade due to inhospitable environment building around it. over the south-west Bay of Bengal off Tamil Nadu-Sri Lanka.

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Fengal to make landfall on Saturday afternoon on Tamil Nadu coast close to Puducherry. 

India Meteorological Department has announced that cyclonic Fengal (pronounced as Fenjal) has formed over south-west Bay of Bengal at 2.30 pm on Friday. 

The IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rain at a few places over north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and extremely heavy rain at isolated places tomorrow (Saturday). It will be heavy to very heavy at isolated places over interior Tamil Nadu on Sunday, and heavy rainfall at isolated places on Monday and Tuesday. 

South coastal Andhra Pradesh too will witness heavy to very heavy rain with extremely heavy rain at isolated places on Saturday, and heavy rainfall at isolated places on Monday. 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to very heavy rain with isolated extremely heavy rain over north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Rayalaseema today and tomorrow (Friday and Saturday).

The warning comes in the wake of a reinvigorating deep depression over southwest Bay of Bengal off the South Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka coast, which is expected to soon ramp up as cyclone Fengal.

In a daring reversal of its own cyclone predictions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) retracted forecast outlook with respect to a deep depression over south-west Bay of Bengal off Tamil Nadu-Sri Lanka coasts and has resumed watch for a full-blown cyclone Fengal towards this afternoon.

This had come after it pared down its outlook successively through the previous (Thursday) night and into this (Friday) morning, when it said the deep depression was likely weakening over the waters and may cross the north Tamil Nadu with a whimper, at best in the form as a depression. 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has on Friday morning re-mounted a cyclone formation alert (named Fengal) after the parent deep depression flipped earlier forecasts and assumed better organisational attributes while retaining intensity and strength off Sri Lanka-Tamil Nadu coasts. 

Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) says the prevailing deep depression this (Friday) morning will weaken a round as a depression before crossing the Puducherry coast by tomorrow (Saturday) morning. It will weaken further on impacting land, and may send out a remnant low-pressure area across south Interior/coastal Karnataka and north Kerala into the Arabian Sea where it may gain some traction, though inconsequential.

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The deep depression over the south-west Bay of Bengal off the Sri Lanka-south Tamil Nadu coast may be set to lose traction as projected cyclone Fengal, but this does not diminish the fact that states located on the eastern coast of India are hotspots for compounding risks of hazards such as floods, cyclones, and droughts. 

Tamil Nadu, which is vulnerable to all three of these extreme events, has witnessed a twofold increase in the number of tropical cyclones in the past decade, according to an analysis by the Delhi-based think tank Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW).

In an inexorable anticlimax, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has ruled out the formation of a cyclone (which would have been named Fengal) over the south-west Bay of Bengal after a parent deep depression struggled for an entire day yesterday to gain traction off the Sri Lankan coast.

In an inexorable anticlimax, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has ruled out the formation of a cyclone (which would have been named Fengal) over the south-west Bay of Bengal after a parent deep depression struggled for an entire day yesterday to gain traction off the Sri Lankan coast.

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The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Thursday successfully evacuated six stranded fishermen and four workers from the Chemplast jetty in Cuddalore, located about 2 km into the sea, amid worsening weather conditions. 

With Cyclonic Storm ‘Fengal’ approaching the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, a senior IMD official said that there was will be fairly widespread moderate rainfall in most of the parts of the state.

Chennai Regional Meteorological Centre Director S Balachandran told ANI that the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal now lies at about 310 km southeast of Nagapattinam and 410 km southeast of Puducherry and south-southeast of Chennai at about 480 km. Read more

The deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal remained practically stationary about 100 km east-northeast of Trincomalee and it will intensify into a cyclonic storm on Thursday night, the regional weather office said.

Providing an update on the cyclone, the Indian Space Research Orgaanisation (ISRO) said its satellites EOS-06 and INSAT-3DR were closely tracking the approaching cyclone since November 23.

“EOS-06 Scatterometer identified ocean wind patterns, providing crucial lead time. Real-Time Insights: Geostationary INSAT-3DR offers regular updates on intensity & direction. ISRO’s advanced satellite data aids in effective monitoring & mitigation, ensuring safety measures are timely and informed. Stay safe, stay prepared!” ISRO said in a post on social media platform X. Read more

he Puducherry government on Thursday announced that all schools and colleges in the union territory will remain closed on November 29 and 30 as heavy rains were forecast under the impact of cyclone Fengal brewing over the Bay of Bengal. Home Minister A Namassivayam told reporters that all schools and colleges in Puducherry and Karaikal regions would remain shut for two days from Friday in view of rains.

All privately managed schools and government aided schools would also be closed. - PTI

Sri Lankan rescue teams said Thursday they had recovered four drowned children killed in a flash flood, with four other people missing, after torrential rains from a powerful but slow-moving storm now heading towards India.

More than 250,000 people in Sri Lanka have been forced to flee after their homes were flooded.

Indian weather officials said there was a “possibility” that the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal could develop into a cyclonic storm. - AFP

Global weather tracking the deep depression over the south-west Bay of Bengal off Sri Lanka coast tend to agree the system is struggling to consolidate and intensify as projected Fengal cyclone as it runs into increased wind shear in the upper levels, which is damaging the storm tower.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) too had earlier in the morning made a qualified update saying there is ‘a possibility of marginal intensification’ of the system into a cyclone with wind speeds of 65-75 km/hr gusting to 85 km/hr from this (Thursday) evening to tomorrow morning. 

The Navy’s efforts are guided by the National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) guidelines for cyclone preparedness, which emphasise the importance of evacuation, shelter, and emergency supplies.Some of the key measures the Indian Navy is undertaking are emergency supplies, which include stockpiling food, water, MREs and medical supplies to support the affected communities, search and rescue which refers to positioning naval personnel, including Geminis and helicopters for quick response to SAR requirements.The measures also include loading warships with HADR relief materials, such as food, water, and medical supplies.

Vehicles are being loaded with essential relief materials, including food, drinking water, and medicines, while specialized Flood Relief Teams (FRTs) are being positioned in vulnerable areas.HQTN&P has also placed its diving teams on high alert, ready to undertake emergency rescue missions if required.

The Indian Navy has stepped up disaster preparedness efforts as Cyclone Fengal, currently intensifying in the Bay of Bengal, threatens to impact the Tamil Nadu coastline in the coming days.The Eastern Naval Command, in coordination with Headquarters Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area (HQTN&P), has activated a robust disaster response mechanism to mitigate the cyclone’s potential effects.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘qualified’ update about ‘a possibility of marginal intensification of the deep depression into a cyclone,’ to be named Fengal, after assessing the latest environmental conditions around the system.

The Indian Navy has activated a comprehensive disaster response plan as Cyclone Fengal intensifies in the Bay of Bengal, posing a threat to Tamil Nadu’s coastal areas.

The Indian Navy has stepped up disaster preparedness efforts as Cyclone Fengal, currently intensifying in the Bay of Bengal, threatens to impact the Tamil Nadu coastline in the coming days.

The Eastern Naval Command, in coordination with Headquarters Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area (HQTN&P), has activated a robust disaster response mechanism to mitigate the cyclone’s potential effects. - ANI

Projected cyclone Fengal flattered to deceive through yesterday as the causative deep depression over south-west Bay of Bengal slowed down the burn, and remained practically stationary into the night. It lay about 100 km east-northeast of Trincomalee in Sri Lanka; 320 km south-east of Nagapattinam; 410 km south-east of Puducherry; and 490 km south-southeast of Chennai latest.

Satellite pictures showed strong upper-level winds from an incoming western disturbance shearing the cloud bands away to the east-northeast over the Bay combining with cooler sea-surface temperatures to slow down the deep depression. But this will only work to the advantage of coast and adjoining interior Tamil Nadu in terms of sustained moderate to heavy showers.

The deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal remained practically stationary about 100 km east-northeast of Trincomalee and it will intensify into a cyclonic storm in the next 12 hours, the Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai, said on Thursday.

It would move nearly north-northwestwards, skirting Sri Lanka coast and intensify into a cyclonic storm during the next 12 hours, the RMC said in its latest bulletin.

“To cross the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram around the morning of November 30, as a deep depression with a wind speed of 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph,” it said. - ANI

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Chief Minister N Rangasamy on Wednesday chaired an emergency meeting of officials from various departments of the union territory to review the situation arising out of heavy rains in Puducherry and Karaikal regions.

Preparedness of different departments to tackle the rain and likely impact of cyclone Fengal were also discussed.

A release from the office of the Chief Minister said Puducherry registered 7.5 cm of rainfall during the last twenty-four hours ending 5 p.m. on Wednesday and the Karaikal region recorded 9.5 cm rainfall during the same period.

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Pamban Port in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram experienced strong winds on Wednesday due to a deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the deep depression is expected to move north-northwestwards and intensify into a cyclonic storm later today (November 27).

Meanwhile, fishermen in the Cuddalore district were seen pulling their boats ashore due to rough seas.

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Heavy to very heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Pudukkottai districts.

According to an IMD’s rainfall update, very heavy rainfall was recorded in several areas, including Nagapattinam (19 cm) and Chennai (13 cm), from 8.30 am on November 26 until 8.30 am the following day.

Minister TRB Rajaa inspected relief camps at Thiruthuraipoondi and also the submerged crops in that region. District officials inspected the affected localities and senior state officials coordinated rain-related relief work.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami expressed shock over reports that 1,500 acres of paddy crop have been affected in Thiruthuraipoondi (Tiruvarur district) and demanded that officials inspect rain-hit areas and urged the DMK regime to provide appropriate relief to farmers.

News portal NewsFirst.lk said six flights scheduled to arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) here were diverted to other airports, including to Indian airports.

Sri Lankan Airlines flight from Tokyo, Emirates flights arriving from Male, and IndiGo flight from Chennai, all destined for Colombo, were diverted to the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport while Air Arabia flight from Sharjah was diverted to Kozhikode International Airport.

Sri Lankan Airlines flight from Male and Etihad Airways flight from Abu Dhabi to Colombo, both were diverted to Mattala International Airport, NewsFirst.lk said.

Meanwhile, police said bodies of two of the six students who were swept away in raging floods on Tuesday in the eastern Ampara district, were found while efforts were on to trace others continued on Wednesday.

Rains continued on Wednesday in Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery delta areas affecting standing paddy crops, and leader of the opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami urged the state government to provide appropriate relief to farmers.

Crops were submerged partially and completely at several places, including those in and around Tiruvarur, Thiruthuraipoondi, Muthupettai, Mayiladuthurai, and Vedaranyam, and according to farmers’ rough estimates, crops on at least 2,000 acres were affected.

Also, huge acreage of salt pans in the districts of Nagapattinam (Vedaranyam) and Villupuram (Marakkanman) came under water.

Four persons, including two children, have died and several others remained missing while over 2.30 lakh individuals were affected across Sri Lanka due to inclement weather following a massive rain system in southwest Bay of Bengal, authorities said on Wednesday.

At least six Colombo-bound flights were diverted to other airports on Wednesday morning due to heavy rain – 75 mm in 24 hours ending at 8:00 am – and high winds experienced in most parts of the island due to the Deep Depression (heavy rain bearing system) over the southwest Bay of Bengal.

The Deep Depression is likely to move north-northwest wards closer to the east coast of Sri Lanka and intensify further into a cyclonic storm later in the day, the meteorological department said.

Crops were submerged partially and completely at several places, including those in and around Tiruvarur, Thiruthuraipoondi, Muthupettai, Mayiladuthurai, and Vedaranyam, and according to farmers’ rough estimates, crops on at least 2,000 acres were affected.

Also, huge acreage of salt pans in the districts of Nagapattinam (Vedaranyam) and Villupuram (Marakkanman) came under water.

In its bulletin on Tuesday, the IMD had said: In its bulletin, it said: “It is very likely to continue to move north-northwestwards and intensify further into a cyclonic storm on 27th November. Thereafter, it will continue to move north-northwestwards towards Tamil Nadu coast skirting Sri Lanka coast during subsequent 2 days.” For Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at a few places and extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places on November 26 and 27. Heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places is likely on November 28 and heavy rainfall at isolated places on November 29. On November 27, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in some places in the districts of Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengelpet, and Cuddalore and authorities declared holiday for schools in regions including Chennai, Chengelpet, Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai.- PTI

In anticipation of heavy rainfall, Tamil Nadu has made ready as many as 1,634 relief centres for use if needed and a situation has not arisen so far warranting its utilisation anywhere in the State. Generators, motor pumps, boats and other equipment and machinery are on standby for use wherever needed. First-responders and volunteers are also ready for deployment, according to the State government.

Sri Lanka has been grappling with severe weather since May, mostly caused by heavy monsoon rains. In June, 16 people died due to floods and mudslides. - PTI

Sri Lanka has experienced heavy downpours and strong winds over the past two days that have flooded homes, fields and roads and forced authorities to suspend train services in tea-growing mountain areas.

In the worst incident, a farm tractor carrying 11 school children was swept away Tuesday evening in the eastern region of the country, police said. Five children were rescued while six other children along with the driver and another adult are still missing in the incident near the town of Karaitivu. A search operation is underway, police said in a statement. - PTI

The IMD projections do not indicate the track of further movement of the deep depression off the Chennai-Puducherry coast but the system may get impacted by a western disturbance moving in from the opposite side over North-West India with a limb extending south over East-Central India. This could potentially yank the system away from coast and rule out a direct landfall, although this would need close monitoring of the track over the next two days.