Cyclone Fengal's impact continues with torrential rains forcing school closures in Puducherry and parts of Tamil Nadu. We bring you the latest updates.
After making landfall between Puducherry and neighbouring Tamil Nadu on November 30, Cyclone Fengal weakened by Sunday. However, torrential downpours under its influence continued, resulting in extremely heavy rainfall in the coastal regions of north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
According to the Weather Channel, Cyclone Fengal has claimed 19 lives in India and Sri Lanka so far, with widespread flooding, road blockages, and power outages disrupting daily life. In Chennai, three people died from electrocution due to rain-related incidents.
Weather Forecast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for substantial rainfall in Kerala, influenced by Cyclone Fengal, which has now weakened into a low-pressure system over north interior Tamil Nadu and south interior Karnataka.
Kerala: Light to moderate rainfall is expected across most places on December 2, with heavy to very heavy rainfall at some locations and extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue in isolated areas by December 3.
Tamil Nadu and Puducherry: Light to moderate rainfall is expected at many places, with heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas over interior Tamil Nadu on December 2. On December 3, heavy rainfall is expected in isolated locations, particularly in the interior districts of Tamil Nadu, especially near the Kerala border.
South Interior Karnataka: Light to moderate rainfall will occur at many places on December 3, with heavy rainfall in isolated areas. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast for December 2 in some locations.
Coastal Karnataka: Light to moderate rainfall is expected at many places, with heavy rainfall in isolated areas on both December 2 and 3.
Schools To Remain Closed In Puducherry, Some Tamil Nadu Districts
All schools in Puducherry and several districts of Tamil Nadu will remain closed due to heavy rainfall caused by Cyclone Fengal. Puducherry's Education Minister, A. Namachivayam, declared a holiday for all government and private schools, as well as colleges, on Tuesday.
In Tamil Nadu, schools and colleges will remain shut in four districts on Tuesday. All schools in the Nilgiris district will be closed, along with schools and colleges in Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Puducherry districts. Additionally, schools in Thirukovilur Town in Kallakurichi district and in Pechampalli and Uthangarai Taluks of Krishnagiri district will also remain closed due to the ongoing heavy rains.
Tamil Nadu Seeks Rs 2,000 Cr NDRF Funds
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Monday described the damage caused by Cyclone Fengal as "unprecedented" and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite the release of Rs 2,000 crore in interim relief from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). The funds would assist in the temporary restoration of damaged infrastructure and livelihoods, he said.
Cyclone Fengal caused extensive damage across 14 districts of Tamil Nadu. Initially, it brought heavy rainfall to the districts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai. Subsequently, districts such as Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, and Villupuram experienced extremely heavy rainfall. Upon landfall on December 1, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, and Tiruvannamalai suffered significant damage to roads and electricity lines as wind speeds reached a high of 90 km/h.
Rahul Gandhi Calls For Congress Workers To Assist In Relief Work
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday, described the damage caused by Cyclone Fengal in Tamil Nadu as "devastating" and urged Congress workers in the state to assist the administration in relief efforts where possible.
"Devastating news of Cyclone Fengal in Tamil Nadu. My heartfelt condolences to those who have lost loved ones during this tragedy. My thoughts are also with those whose homes and property have been damaged," Gandhi said on X. "I urge all Congress workers in the state to step forward and help the administration in relief efforts wherever possible," the former Congress chief added.