Cyclone Fengal forms over Bay Of Bengal, landfall expected in Tamil Nadu-Puducherry today
As Cyclone Fengal intensifies over the Bay of Bengal and approaches landfall near Puducherry, authorities in Tamil Nadu have issued urgent warnings and implemented crucial safety measures.
The storm, expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds, has prompted the state government to shut schools and colleges in several districts, suspend public transport services, and urge IT firms to adopt work-from-home arrangements.
To ensure student safety, the Tamil Nadu government has announced that all schools and colleges in Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu districts will remain closed on 30 November.
This decision comes as Cyclone Fengal, with winds potentially reaching speeds of up to 90 km/h, is anticipated to make landfall in the afternoon.
No special classes or exams will be conducted in these areas, while District Collectors in other regions with heavy rain alerts have been advised to make decisions based on local circumstances.
As a precaution, public transport services on key coastal routes, including the East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), will be suspended during the afternoon of 30 November. These measures aim to reduce risks from strong winds and heavy rainfall associated with the cyclone.
The state government has also recommended IT companies implement work-from-home policies on November 30 to minimise travel during the storm’s peak intensity. This step seeks to ensure employee safety as the cyclone moves closer.
Cyclone Fengal, which intensified into a cyclonic storm on 29 November, is forecast to make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry around midday. Sustained winds of 70-80 km/h, with gusts reaching 90 km/h, are expected.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts in northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, predicting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in the coming hours.