Cyclone Fengal updates
New Delhi: Schools and colleges in Puducherry will be closed on Friday and Saturday due to the anticipated heavy rainfall resulting from Cyclone Fengal, which is intensifying over the Bay of Bengal, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The cyclone is expected to gain strength in the next 48 hours, leading to heavy precipitation, strong winds, and a risk of flooding in the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh.
A Namassivayam, the home minister of Puducherry, announced that all educational institutions, both private and government-aided, in Puducherry and Karaikal will be closed for two days starting Friday due to the expected rainfall, according to PTI.
S Balachandran, director of the Chennai Regional Meteorological Centre, indicated that the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal is currently situated approximately 310 km southeast of Nagapattinam, 410 km southeast of Puducherry, and 480 km south-southeast of Chennai.
Here are the top 10 updates on Cyclone Fengal:
Authorities in Tamil Nadu have advised residents in low-lying and coastal areas to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols as Cyclonic Storm ‘Fengal’ approaches. The Meteorological Department predicts that the deep depression currently situated over the Bay of Bengal will progress north-northwest, passing near Sri Lanka, and is expected to strengthen into a cyclonic storm.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) anticipates widespread moderate rainfall across most regions of Tamil Nadu due to the impending cyclone. The deep depression, located approximately 300 km southeast of Nagapattinam, 400 km from Puducherry, and 480 km from Chennai, is projected to develop into a cyclonic storm by the night of November 28 or early November 29, although it may weaken upon making landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram.
In its most recent weather update, the IMD forecasted isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy downpours expected in certain areas of north Tamil Nadu on November 29 and 30. Additionally, heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy falls at isolated locations is anticipated in south Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema on November 29. On November 30 and December 1, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to affect Kerala, Mahe, and south interior Karnataka, as well as coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema on November 30, and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal on December 1.
Earlier on Wednesday, the IMD indicated that the storm may temporarily intensify, with wind speeds reaching 65-75 kmph and gusts up to 85 kmph, over the Southwest Bay of Bengal between the evening of November 28 and the morning of November 29. However, factors such as increased wind shear and weaker core winds may hinder the system from fully developing into a robust cyclone, with expectations for it to make landfall on November 30 as a deep depression.
Coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal may experience strong winds ranging from 50-60 kmph, with gusts reaching 70 kmph, while squally winds of 55-65 kmph, gusting to 75 kmph, are anticipated over the Comorin area and Gulf of Mannar.
Rainfall is anticipated across Tamil Nadu over the next two to three days, with significant precipitation expected in select areas of the Delta districts, Chengalpattu, and Viluppuram within the next 24 hours. Extremely heavy rainfall is predicted for Friday in regions including Viluppuram, Cuddalore, Puducherry, Chengalpattu, and the Delta districts.
Fishermen have been cautioned against venturing into the sea until November 31 due to adverse weather conditions. In response to Cyclone Fengal, the Indian Navy has activated a disaster response plan, with the Eastern Naval Command and HQTN&P collaborating on disaster mitigation efforts.
The Indian Coast Guard successfully rescued six fishermen who were stranded at an abandoned jetty in Cuddalore after their vessels were damaged by severe weather. Additionally, four other workers at the jetty were safely evacuated.
The Navy is prioritizing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) as well as Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, working in conjunction with local and state authorities to ensure prompt responses.
ISRO has been closely monitoring Cyclone Fengal using satellites EOS-06 and INSAT-3DR since November 23, providing comprehensive updates on ocean winds, intensity, and direction, which are instrumental in facilitating timely disaster management initiatives.
