Cyclone Fengal Makes Landfall: Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on High Alert

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said the cyclonic storm “Fengal” had crossed the coast across northern Tamilnadu by 2 am. It will continue to move west-south-westwards slowly and weaken gradually into a deep depression during the next 3 hours, the weather forecast agency added.

The IMD said, “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 of yesterday, the 30th November 2024 as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph. It lay centered at 2330 hours IST yesterday, the 30th November 2024 over north coastal Tamilnadu & Puducherry near latitude 12.0°N and longitude 79.8°E, close to Puducherry.”

Amidst heavy rainfall in Chennai due to Cyclone Fengal, the Southern Railway 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.

The Gorakhpur-Thiruvananthapuram North (Kochuveli) Raptisagar Express (Train No. 12511), which departed from Gorakhpur at 06:35 hours on November 29, will be diverted via Korukkupet and Perambur, skipping its scheduled stop at Dr. MGR Chennai Central. The train will have an additional stoppage at Perambur, with timings of 23:30 (arrival) and 23:35 (departure), Southern Railway said in a press release.

The Dhanbad-Alappuzha Express (Train No. 13351), which departed from Dhanbad at 11:35 hours on November 29, will also be diverted via Korukkupet and Perambur, skipping its scheduled stop at Dr. MGR Chennai Central. The train will have an additional stoppage at Perambur, with timings of 23:50 (arrival) and 23:55 (departure). 

A few trees were reportedly uprooted in Tamil Nadu's Kalpakkam and other districts on Saturday as cyclone Fengal made landfall.

Chennai Airport extended the closure of operations until 4:00 AM on December 1 after cyclone fengal grapples city. Cyclone Fengal is making landfall near Puducherry.

Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi on Saturday issued an advisory asking people to remain indoors and avoid going outside in view of Cyclone Fengal. The governor said central and state agencies were working day and night to deal with this emergency situation.

Cyclone Fengal-triggered heavy rains accompanied by gusty winds lashed northern Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Puducherry on Saturday, prompting a shutdown of the Chennai airport, and inundated many parts of the city but there were no immediate reports of a major damage, the government said.

The cyclonic storm made a landfall close to the Puducherry union territory area.

Steady rains pounded Chennai, its nearby districts and Puducherry affecting public transport, including bus, train and flight services and people from vulnerable areas were moved to safe shelters by authorities. From afternoon onwards, the rains turned intermittent in most areas and by nightfall, it ceased.

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.

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.

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 Cyclonic Storm "FENGAL" (pronounced FEINJAL) in the Southwest Bay of Bengal moved west-southwestward at a speed of 7 km/h over the past 6 hours.

Cyclonic storm Fengal has commenced making landfall close to Puducherry and it may approximately take four hours for it to cross the coast completely, an IMD official said on Saturday that the process of the cyclone’s landfall commenced at about 5.30 p.m. on November 30. 

Cyclone Fengal: Alert at Puducherry coast, security stepped up across beaches. Cyclonic storm Fengal has commenced making landfall close to Puducherry and it may approximately take four hours for it to cross the coast completely, an IMD official said

Due to stormy winds, the road is heavily covered with sand and motorists are advised to proceed with caution.

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.

Citing data and observations, IMD-Regional Meteorological Centre, Additional Director General, S Balachandran told PTI that the process of the cyclone's landfall commenced at about 5.30 pm on November 30.

On the area of landfall, he said it was close to 'Puducherry area' and that it may take approximately 4 hours for the completion of the landfall process and added that more related information would be made available later. 

Cyclone Fengal: Cyclone Moves Towards Puducherry. As Landfall begins near Puducherry, IMD officials.

Chennai airport on Friday announced suspension of operations till 4 am on December 1 following heavy inundation of runways and the taxiway, due to the cyclone 'Fengal' triggered rains and the 'adverse weather condition,' with over 50 flights being cancelled and scores of passengers left in the lurch. Official sources here said the two runways and the taxiway were inundated and as many as 55 flights were cancelled and 19 others diverted, adding, the services include both domestic and international operations. Earlier in the day, when the airport was operational, at least 12 flights were delayed.

The Chennai airport in a post on 'X' said that a team of senior officials was closely monitoring the situation to facilitate the earliest resumption of operations as meteorological conditions improve.

The new Mahayuti government will be sworn in on December 5 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, state BJP unit said.

"The oath-taking ceremony of the Mahayuti Government in Maharashtra will be held in the presence of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 5 PM at Azad Maidan, Mumbai," state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated on X on Saturday evening.

The Mahayuti comprises BJP, Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, and NCP headed by Ajit Pawar. 

New Delhi: During his padyatra in Delhi's Greater Kailash area, former Delhi CM and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal was targeted by a person who tried to throw a liquid on him. Kejriwal's security staff promptly overpowered the man and he was subsequently arrested

Barricades and umbrellas were swept away by gusty winds and road users scurried for cover as rains poured, with cyclone Fengal inching closer to the shoreline on Saturday, leaving many areas in and around Chennai under water.

Curiously, a lot of people, especially young men and women, frolicked at beaches, and strangely, visitors could be spotted at the Mamallapuram world heritage site too, despite the government warning people against going near beaches, in view of the high tides. Wind speed was pretty high in coastline areas such as Marakkanam in Villupuram district.

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.

Cyclone Fengal live updates: Visuals from Chennai's Marina Beach

 Tamil Nadu: Cyclone Fengal to make landfall later today. Visuals from Chennai's Marina Beach.
 

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has provided the latest updates on Cyclone Fengal's position and trajectory. According to Chennai IMD Head S. Balachandran, the cyclone is currently located approximately 100 km southeast of Chennai and northeast of Puducherry.

Key highlights from the IMD update:

• Movement: Cyclone Fengal is advancing at a speed of 10 km/h.
• Landfall: It is expected to cross near Puducherry by this evening.
• Rainfall: Extremely heavy rainfall is forecast for affected areas during this period.
• Wind Speed: At the time of crossing, wind speeds are expected to reach 70–80 km/h, with gusts up to 90 km/h.
• Post-Crossing Movement: The system is predicted to move westward the day after tomorrow.

Residents are urged to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and adhere to safety advisories issued by local authorities.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that Cyclone Fengal is expected to cross the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, near Puducherry, later this evening. The storm is likely to bring wind speeds of 70-80 kmph, with gusts up to 90 kmph.

According to the IMD, the cyclone may slow down as it nears the coast. Officials are closely monitoring the situation to provide timely updates.

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin is actively monitoring the developments as Cyclone Fengal intensifies. He reviewed the situation in key affected areas, assessing the preparedness of local authorities and the implementation of relief measures.

The Deputy CM emphasized the importance of swift evacuation efforts, ensuring adequate supplies in relief camps, and maintaining communication channels for timely updates. Officials have been instructed to stay alert as heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected to continue impacting the region.

In response to Cyclone Fengal's intensifying impact, authorities are relocating residents from vulnerable areas near Kalpakkam in the Chengalpattu district to nearby relief camps. This precautionary measure aims to ensure the safety of those living in low-lying or cyclone-prone zones as heavy rains and strong winds continue to lash the region.

The relief camps have been equipped with essential supplies, including food, water, and medical aid, to accommodate the displaced families. Local officials are closely monitoring the situation, urging residents to cooperate with evacuation efforts and follow safety advisories.

Mumbai Police on Saturday invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in the murder of Bab Siddique murder case.

Baba Siddique was an NCP leader who was shot dead by three assailants near his son, MLA Zeeshan Siddique's, office in Mumbai's Nirmal Nagar on October 12.

So far, the police have arrested 26 accused, while 3 more people are wanted by the authorities.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday said his government is committed to the welfare of farmers and is implementing various schemes covering the entire spectrum of agriculture for the benefit of cultivators in the state.Kumar said his government after coming to power in 2005 took several initiatives for welfare of farmers.

Kolkata Police have arrested a Bangladeshi from a hotel here for illegally entering India without any valid travel documents.According to police sources, Selim Matubber was arrested from a hotel here on Friday, where he had provided fake identity documents.Matturber claimed he was a former Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) local leader and had arrived in Kolkata two years ago.

Chennai International Airport has been temporarily shut down till 7 PM on Saturday in view of cyclone Fengal making landfall today evening.

As heavy rainfall and strong winds intensified ahead of the cyclone, it is expected to cross between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram coasts, near Puducherry tonight.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin reviewed arrangements and precautionary measures on Saturday in the wake of Cyclone Fengal.
The Chief Minister also inspected the Chennai State Operation Center and was accompanied by state ministers KN Nehru and KKSSR Ramachandran.

The CM, also interacted with the District Collectors of Chennai, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and other districts through video conferencing and inspected the possible field conditions. CM Staling assured that the state government is constantly monitoring the situation and was taking precautionary measures.
 

Karnataka Congress leader B Gurappa Naidu, who has been booked for alleged sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of a woman, was on Saturday expelled from the primary membership of the party for a period of six years. The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), disciplinary action committee Chairman K Rahaman Khan announced Naidu's expulsion from the party through a press release.

At least four people were killed and three others injured in road accidents in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district on Saturday, police said.A speeding truck first hit three persons at Badadalima Chhak killing one person and causing grievous injuries to two others. While fleeing away from the accident site, the truck dashed against an autorickshaw at Bagdeda, the police said.

As cyclone approaches the various districts of Tamil Nadu, heavy rain lashed in several regions of Tamil Nadu.

The visuals of the city showed the roads are inundated due to heavy rainfall. Several parts of Chennai city faced water logging issues. Waterlog till ankle level in New Washermanpet, from Gemini flyover and mount road area and also Vehicles like Cars and Two wheelers are moving slow and suffering to cross the water.

Due to the Cyclone Fengal's impact, many coastal areas witnessed changes in weather with gusty winds and rains. Chennai has witnessed incessant heavy to moderate rainfall from last night till this morning, which has caused rough sea conditions with strong winds.
 

A POCSO court here has sentenced three men to 10 years rigorous imprisonment for injecting drugs and raping a 13-year-old girl in 2017, noting society should know that perpetrators in such cases are dealt with an iron hand.The drugging and sexual attack resulted in the girl displaying disturbing behavioural changes which needed medical attention and hospitalisation, the prosecution said.

The price of potato has shot up by Rs 5 a kg in Jharkhand's retail market in the past two days after neighbouring West Bengal reportedly restricted the supply of the tuber, an official said on Saturday.In a bid to maintain the stock and keep the price of potato under control, the West Bengal government has allegedly put a restriction on interstate supply of the tuber, according to a potato traders' association in West Bengal.

 Heavy rains pounded several parts of north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Saturday, under the impact of Cyclone 'Fengal,' affecting normalcy and prompting evacuation.The downpour was accompanied by gusty winds and what began as intermittent rainfall in coastal regions on the night of November 29, gradually became steady leading to inundation in several areas.

A team led by Puducherry SSP Kalaivanan visited the beaches and the coastal roads in the region and inspected them as the Cyclone Fengal is expected to cross the coast on Saturday evening.

The authorities have advised the public to not visit beaches in Puducherry as well as in Tamil Nadu's Chennai, including Marina Beach, Pattinapakkam and Edward Elliot Beach. The tourist spots in Puducherry have been closed as a precautionary measure, owing to the impending cyclone Fengal.

 A clash broke out between two groups over construction work underway at a factory in Noida , police said on Saturday.

The incident took place on Friday night when Sub-Inspector Yashpal Sharma was patrolling near Maycha village, Dadri Station House Officer (SHO) Arvind Kumar said.

Sharma received information about the brawl, where some people were attacking each other with sticks and iron rods, the SHO said.

According to Kumar, one group was opposing the construction work at a company.

He added that there were also reports of gunfire during the incident.

A West Bengal native allegedly hacked his wife to death at Perumbavoor here on Saturday, police said.  Shiba Bahadoor Chetri, hailing from Moorshidabad was taken into custody of Ernakulam rural police on charges of killing his wife Mamani Chetri, 39, according to the police.

The Allahabad High Court has directed Prayagraj Police Commissioner Tarun Gauba and other police officers to appear before it on December 10 on a contempt petition and apprise the court as to what action has been taken against the policemen who delayed in lodging of FIR despite a complaint moved by the applicant.

Three members of a family in Pandalam here had a narrow escape when a lorry overturned and crashed into their house here early on Saturday.  Five persons were injured in the accident, police said.   The accident occurred at Koorambala, Pandalam, at around 6 am when the lorry carrying cattle feed lost control and overturned onto a house.

 Eight people have been arrested in connection with attacks on a police station and residences of MLAs in strife-torn Manipur, a police statement said on Saturday.One person, identified as 20-year-old Chongtham Thoicha, who hails from Kiyam Mamang Leikai in Patsoi police station area in Imphal West district, was arrested on Thursday in connection with arson at the properties of elected representatives on November 16, it said.

Cyclone Fengal is expected to make landfall today evening in Tamil Nadu, and multiple flights to and from Chennai were affected on Friday due to inclement weather in the region.

Multiple airlines issued travel advisories and updates on their flight plans due to the continuing heavy rains in Chennai.
"Flights to and from Chennai are getting affected due to inclement weather and heavy rains," read an X post by Air India.

Puducherry experienced heavy rains on Saturday morning prompting the district administration to send SMS alerts to around 12 lakh residents cautioning them to remain vigilant as cyclonic storm Fengal is expected to make landfall near here later in the day.

Toll free numbers 112, 1077 and also WhatsApp number 94889 81070 have been put in place to help people facing crisis to contact for help.

Imposing a ban is a failure of the BJP government's governance, administration and government management. If the government had imposed such a ban earlier on those who dreamed of causing riots and made people raise frenzied slogans, the atmosphere of harmony and peace in Sambhal would not have been spoiled.

Caretaker Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, amidst the uncertainty over the state’s next Chief Minister, has decided to spend two days in his village in Satara district after returning from Delhi on Friday morning. In Delhi, Shinde held discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with Fadnavis and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar.

Shiv Sena Leader Says, 'Eknath Shinde Will Take Key Decision Today'

 The National Green Tribunal has observed that while imposing a fine for contravening environmental rules, the violators should be allowed to be heard besides informing them of the remedy to file an appeal. The green body was hearing a matter where the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) had imposed environmental compensation of Rs eight lakh on four illegal stone crushing units in Nilothi village here for causing air, noise and water pollution.

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 water logging in several areas and many residents of low-lying Madipakkam parked their vehicles on both sides of nearby Velachery flyover.

 Four militants belonging to two banned outfits have been arrested in Manipur for possession of firearms and involvement in extortion, a police statement said on Saturday.Three militants belonging to the Kangleipak Communist Party (Peoples' War Group) outfit were arrested on Thursday for possessing firearms and extorting people, it said.

A hospital in north Kolkata's Manicktala area said it would not treat patients from Bangladesh amid protests over the alleged atrocities on minority Hindus in the neighbouring country.An official of the JN Ray Hospital on Friday said the decision was forced by insults meted out to the Indian flag by Bangladeshi nationals.

PM Modi to attend all India DGP/IGP conference in Odisha's Bhubaneswar today

Three days Tibetan Festival begun in Friday in the North Indian Hill town Dharmshala. Over 30 Tibetan artists, musicians and writers from United States, Canada, Australis and from India are here to participates in the festivals.

Supreme Court yesterday asked the Sambhal trial court not to proceed in the suit against the Shahi Jama Masjid, till the petition filed by the Masjid Committee against the survey order is listed in the Allahabad High Court

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. 

Starting December 27, low-cost carrier IndiGo will begin operating direct flights between Kolkata and Phuket, the airline said on Friday.This will be IndiGo’s second direct flight to Phuket, following Delhi.The new route will expand IndiGo's global network and cater to the growing number of tourists from India to Thailand, the airline said in a statement.