Karmactive Staff
Cyclone Fengal struck the eastern coast of India late Saturday night, bringing unprecedented rainfall and widespread devastation to Puducherry and northern Tamil Nadu. The cyclonic storm, which made landfall near Puducherry between 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on November 30, 2024, packed winds of 70-80 kmph, gusting up to 90 kmph.
Historic Rainfall Breaks Records
Puducherry received 46 cm of rainfall within 24 hours, while Mayilam in Villupuram district recorded 50 cm. The deluge transformed city streets into virtual rivers, with water levels reaching five feet in several residential areas.
Impact on Infrastructure and Daily Life
Chennai International Airport suspended operations for 16 hours, resuming services at 1 a.m. on December 1. An IndiGo Airlines A320neo aircraft attempted landing during severe weather conditions, forcing a go-around after nearly touching down in dangerous crosswinds.
The storm’s fury left many areas without electricity as water entered substations at Venkata Nagar and Marappalam junction. Distribution lines and electric posts sustained extensive damage across the region.
Casualties and Evacuations
Two deaths have been reported in Puducherry, with bodies recovered from stormwater drains, as confirmed by Home Minister A. Namassivayam. Chennai reported three electrocution deaths in separate incidents.
Authorities evacuated approximately 3,000 residents from Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts to relief camps. In Villupuram district alone, over 1,750 people were moved to 21 relief centers, according to Forest Minister K. Ponmudy.
Emergency Response
The Indian Army deployed a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief column consisting of one officer, six Junior commissioned officers and 62 other ranks from Chennai Garrison Battalion. The team, led by Major Ajay Sangwan, traveled 160 kilometers overnight to reach Puducherry by 5:30 a.m., rescuing about 200 people from Krishna Nagar and Kuber Nagar localities.
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Official Statements and Updates
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin stated: “People are satisfied and those in Chennai are relieved” regarding the government’s precautionary and relief measures.
IMD’s Regional Meteorological Centre Additional Director General, S. Balachandran, reported that the cyclone remained stationary for six hours after landfall. The weather system is expected to weaken into a deep depression as it moves westward.
Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy explained: “Since the tides are very heavy, the ocean is not able to receive the rain water. Things will be fine if the rains stop for three hours.”
Current Situation
The Water Resources Department issued flood alerts to 14 villages along the Thenpennai river after releasing 20,000 cuses of water from Sathanur dam, which reached 118.05 feet against its capacity of 119 feet.
The Greater Chennai Municipal Corporation provided food to 232,200 people, with 200 residents from low-lying areas housed in eight relief camps. All 386 Amma Canteens are offering free food to affected residents.
