Cyclonic storm Fengal likely to make landfall between Karaikal & Mahabalipuram

Cyclonic storm Fengal (pronounced as FENJAL) is likely to make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry this afternoon with a wind speed, gusting upto 90 Kilometres per hour. The deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm yesterday. The storm is likely to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region.

The Puducherry administration is on high alert to meet any eventuality in view of the cyclone. Extensive disaster management measures have been implemented across the Union Territory.

Emergency arrangements are being monitored round the clock, with the Disaster Management Emergency Operations Center serving as the nerve center for response coordination.

District Collector A. Kulothungan visited the centre yesterday to oversee preparations and instructed officials to act swiftly in addressing potential challenges. The Collector also inspected low-lying areas and disaster-prone zones, including Villianur and Ariyapalayam.

Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) conducted training for emergency staff on operating ASKA portable lights, essential for providing illumination in areas affected by power outages. Public awareness campaigns have been intensified, with the administration advising residents to avoid stepping out unless for essential needs. All tourist spots, including beaches, will remain closed for today.

For cyclone-related grievances, people can contact the toll-free helpline numbers 112 and 1077, or reach out via WhatsApp at 9488981070. The public has also been urged to stay away from electric poles, transformers, and fallen power lines to avoid accidents.

Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to relocate to relief camps for their safety. The Department of Fisheries has reiterated fishermen in Puducherry and Karaikal



to urgently relocate their boats and equipment to elevated areas, anticipating rough seas and high winds.

The Government has issued advisories to the public not to venture out of their houses until the landfall occurs. Transport to East Coast Road and OMR will be stopped in the afternoon. According to the airport authorities in Chennai, Six flights including flight to and from Singapore has been cancelled due to the weather disturbance.

Small aircrafts will not be allowed to fly. IT companies have asked their employees to work from home. Public transport services will be suspended from this afternoon till the storm crosses over. Cinema halls, Beaches and entertainment centres are to be closed as a precaution. Educational institutions have declared a holiday today.

Construction activities and usage of crane services are to be stopped temporarily and hoardings and bill boards in high rise buildings and other places have been removed as a safety measure. In all the six districts including Chennai, Cuddalore, Kanchipuram and Chengalpet.

Port warning danger 7 signal has been hoisted showing the presence of a cyclonic storm at Cuddalore and Puducherry ports. Warning Signal number six has been hoisted at Chennai, Ennore and Kattupalli ports and warning number five has been hoisted at Nagapattinam and Karaikal harbours showing the intensity of the landfall in areas near the ports have been hoisted.

Push message cyclone alerts through SMS have been issued from NDMA to those who are living near the Coastal areas.NDRF, SDRF, Indian Navy and Coast Guard have been alerted to be ready to deal with any eventuality.. District administrations have geared up to take necessary action according to the situation. Chennai and suburban areas have been experiencing moderate rains since yesterday evening.