The deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal remained stationary for six hours before intensifying into a cyclonic storm on Thursday afternoon, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The weather system is expected to make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram on the morning of November 30 as a deep depression, with wind speeds of 50-60 kmph, gusting to 70 kmph.
Rainfall Alerts for Tamil Nadu:
The IMD has issued a heavy rainfall alert for Chennai and its neighboring districts. Chennai is under a yellow alert for November 28 and December 1, and an orange alert for November 29 and 30, indicating heavy to very heavy rainfall. Other districts, including Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpet, are also likely to experience similar conditions during this period.
Blogger Pradeep John highlighted the possibility of significant rainfall in Chennai’s reservoir catchment areas. He predicted very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall on November 30, followed by moderate rain on December 1 and 2. Interior districts may also receive substantial rainfall as the system moves inland.
Preparations Underway:
The Indian Navy, in coordination with Eastern Naval Command and the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area, has activated disaster response mechanisms. Emergency supplies, including food, water, medicines, and medical aid, have been stockpiled. Flood Relief Teams (FRTs) are on standby, and warships equipped with humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) materials are ready for deployment.
The National Disaster Response Force team inspected the vulnerable and low-lying areas in T R Patinam, Karaikal, along with officials, focussing on risk assessment and safety measures, the NDRF said.
Flight Disruptions
IndiGo Airlines has issued travel advisories for passengers, warning of disruptions to flights from Chennai, Tuticorin, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, and Salem. Passengers are advised to stay updated on flight statuses to avoid inconvenience.
Current Conditions:
The system’s sluggish movement near Sri Lanka caused windy weather in Chennai and suburbs on November 27. Regional Weather Forecasting Centre director N. Senthamarai Kannan explained that the system’s stagnation near Sri Lanka delayed rainfall as the associated rain clouds were yet to approach Tamil Nadu’s coast.
Residents are urged to stay cautious and adhere to advisories as Cyclone Fengal approaches.
Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard has started coordinating with the state agencies to ensure seafarers’ safety.
The ICG said that its ships, aircraft and radar stations issued advisories for fishing boats to return to the harbour.
Four persons, including two children, have died and several others remained missing while over 2.30 lakh individuals were affected across Sri Lanka due to inclement weather following a massive rain system in southwest Bay of Bengal, authorities said. More than 250,000 people in Sri Lanka have been forced to flee after their homes were flooded