A red alert was issued for Chennai and several districts in northern Tamil Nadu Saturday as Cyclone Fengal continued its slow approach to the coast, threatening to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible disruption to normal life. The weather system, described by meteorologists as unusually delayed, is now expected to make landfall near Puducherry by night, with winds gusting up to 90 kmph. The delay in Cyclone Fengal’s movement, marked by an uncharacteristically slow pace and hovering over the Bay of Bengal for days, has resulted in significant rainfall across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Experts noted that this prolonged development allowed the cyclone to gather moisture, intensifying the downpour across coastal and interior regions. As of Saturday morning, heavy to very heavy rainfall was reported in Chennai and surrounding districts, inundating several low-lying areas. Greater Chennai Corporation officials reported waterlogging in over 134 locations, with teams working to pump out water. Key locations, including Vadapalani, Choolai, and Korattur, experienced significant flooding. Subways in six areas of Chennai were closed due to water accumulation. Rainfall data from automatic weather stations indicated Kathivakkam in northern Chennai recorded the highest rainfall at 12 cm, while other parts of the city saw averages of 6-9 cm. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Fengal was centred approximately 110 km southeast of Chennai and 120 km east-northeast of Puducherry at 8.30 am on Saturday. Moving westward at 13 kmph, the system is predicted to cross the coast between Karaikal and Mamallapuram by nightfall. This extended duration has allowed for sustained rainfall, with heavy showers likely to continue even after landfall. A red alert remains in place for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villuppuram, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore districts, as well as Puducherry. These areas are expected to receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. An orange alert has been issued for interior districts, including Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, and Nagapattinam, signalling the potential for significant but less severe impact. In preparation, over 2,000 relief camps have been opened, and more than 4,100 fishing boats have returned to shore following government advisories. In Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur districts, nearly 500 people from vulnerable areas have been relocated to shelters. The cyclone has caused widespread disruption to transportation and public services. Chennai Airport suspended all operations from noon to 7pm, with several flights cancelled or delayed. Public transport on the East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) was suspended from Saturday afternoon as a precaution. Chennai’s suburban rail services have been reduced, and Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) trains between Chennai Beach and Velachery were halted entirely due to strong winds. Chief Minister MK Stalin, overseeing relief efforts from the State Emergency Operations Centre in Chennai, assured residents that the situation was under control. The government machinery is also working overtime in the deployment of disaster response teams, food distribution in relief camps, and ongoing water drainage operations in flooded areas. Stalin also inspected critical infrastructure, including sewage pumping stations and integrated kitchens providing meals to affected residents. Authorities urged residents to stay indoors and avoid coastal areas, including popular beaches like Marina and Mamallapuram. Construction companies were instructed to secure equipment and hoardings to prevent accidents. The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board issued advisories to prevent electrocution, warning residents to avoid electrical poles and exposed cables. Emergency helplines were activated in Chennai and other affected districts for assistance. The cyclone’s impact is also extended to neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, where districts like Nellore and Chittoor reported moderate to heavy rainfall. In Sri Lanka, adverse weather linked to Fengal caused floods and landslides, affecting over 4,50,000 people, largely in the Eastern Province, and claiming 15 lives. The IMD predicts rainfall will persist across Tamil Nadu even after the cyclone’s landfall. Coastal districts are expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with interior regions like Tiruchirappalli and Vellore also receiving scattered heavy rainfall.
