IMD issues red alert for Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka as cyclone Fengal inches closer

Due to the anticipated severe rainfall, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for parts of southern states as Cyclone Fengal is predicted to hit land on Nov 30 near Puducherry, along the Tamil Nadu coast.

In anticipation of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, a red alert has been issued for Tamil Nadu, South Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and the interior of Karnataka.

As a cyclonic storm with wind speeds of 70–80 km/h with gusts up to 90 km/h, the cyclone is predicted to move west-northwest and land around the North Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry on the afternoon of Nov 30.

According to Ananda Das, chief of the IMD Cyclonic section, the cyclone was 300–350 km off the coast of Tamil Nadu as of the evening of Nov 29.

He added that while heavy rainfall is expected in interior Tamil Nadu on November 30, coastal districts in north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh are likely to have intense rainfall.

"As far as the impact of the cyclone is concerned, slight rainfall has started. It is still 300-350 km away from the coastline of Tamil Nadu. The landfall is tomorrow evening on the coast of Tamil Nadu,” said Das.

“During landfall, the speed of wind would be 70-80 km/h gusting to 90 km/h. As per the latest observation, it has turned into a cyclonic storm. It will intensify slightly more and then make landfall. Coastal districts of North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh will receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall," Das added.

He continued, "On November 30, there will be heavy rainfall in the interior area of Tamil Nadu... From Tamil Nadu to Kerala and interior Karnataka, heavy rainfall is expected till December 1. A red alert has been issued in view of heavy rainfall.

According to district administration, the MeT department issued a severe rainfall warning on Nov 30, prompting schools and colleges—including private ones—in Tamil Nadu's Kanchipuram district to close.

"The current weather conditions continue to impact flights to/from Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Tuticorin, and Madurai, with #Tirupati and #Vishakhapatnam now also affected," reads a warning released by IndiGo Airlines in response to unfavorable weather conditions in Tamil Nadu.

The districts of Nellore, Tirupati, and Chittoor have been warned of "extremely heavy rainfall" over the course of the next 24 hours, according to KVS Srinivas, director of the Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Center.

The cyclone is expected to head northwest and intensify even further, he added.

Cyclone Fengal would have the most severe effects on coastal regions, particularly between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram in Puducherry, according to S Balachandran, head of the regional meteorological center in Chennai.

He said that wind speeds reached 50-60 km/h on Nov 29, with gusts reaching 70 km/h. Heavy rain is forecast between 1 and 2 pm on Nov 30, with scattered heavy to very severe rainfall in several places.

Motor pumps, generators, boats, and other equipment have been set up. In the impacted districts of Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Chengelpet, and Chennai, NDRF and state teams have been deployed.

For efficient disaster management, senior officials are stationed in their respective areas and have been assigned to monitoring and coordinating activities with district authorities.

Because of the impending Cyclone Fengal, the Puducherry fisheries department has cautioned fishermen against going out to sea.

In order to prevent damage, they have also been told to relocate their boats and equipment to higher ground.

The Department of Revenue and Disaster Management has offered toll-free numbers 112 and 1077 for distress calls, as well as a WhatsApp helpline at 9488981070.

Residents have been urged to remain indoors as Cyclone Fengal is likely to make landfall near Puducherry on the afternoon of Nov 30. The IMD estimates that the storm would impact with winds of up to 90 km/h.

District Collector A Kulothungan met with officials from various departments, including the PWD, local government, and police, to discuss preparedness.