Cyclone Fengal Ravages Tamil Nadu: Destruction, Flooding, and Relief Efforts Underway

Chennai, Tamil Nadu (December 1, 2024) – Cyclone Fengal made a devastating landfall along the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast on Saturday evening, leaving behind significant destruction. The cyclone has claimed three lives in rain-related incidents, disrupted power supply across multiple areas, and inundated streets, homes, and hospitals.

Chennai Airport Reopens After Prolonged Shutdown

The Chennai airport, which was shut down for 16 hours as a precautionary measure during the cyclone, resumed operations at 4 a.m. on Sunday. However, the city continues to grapple with waterlogging, which has paralyzed public transport and posed challenges for emergency services.

Widespread Impact Across Tamil Nadu

Cyclone Fengal caused extensive damage in several districts:

• Rain-Related Incidents:
  • An old house collapsed in Tarangampadi.
  • A wall of a Dharga tank in Jambuvanodai, Tiruvarur district, gave way.
• Power Outages: Uprooted trees knocked down electricity poles, leaving many areas without power.
• Severe Inundation: Heavy rainfall led to flooding in residential areas and essential facilities, including hospitals.

Record-Breaking Rainfall in Puducherry

Puducherry bore the brunt of Cyclone Fengal’s fury, recording an unprecedented rainfall in the last 24 hours (up to 8:30 a.m. IST on December 1). This marks the highest 24-hour rainfall recorded in the region over the past 30 years, surpassing records from 1995.

Government Response and Relief Operations

The Tamil Nadu state government has launched relief and rescue operations across the affected regions:

• Relief teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), are working to clear waterlogged streets and restore essential services.
• Shelters have been set up for displaced residents, and emergency resources are being distributed in vulnerable areas.

Cyclone Fengal’s Long-Lasting Impact

Cyclone Fengal has left a profound impact on Tamil Nadu, with its combination of heavy rain, high winds, and flooding exposing the vulnerability of the region’s infrastructure. As rescue operations continue, authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel.

Stay Informed

For live updates and the latest news on Cyclone Fengal’s aftermath, follow trusted sources like Times Now and local government advisories.

Key Highlights of Cyclone Fengal’s Impact

Aspect	Details
Casualties	3 lives lost due to electrocution incidents
Record Rainfall	48.4 cm in Puducherry (highest in 30 years)
Airport Closure	Chennai airport shut for 16 hours
Infrastructure Damage	Collapsed structures, uprooted trees, power outages

Conclusion: Rebuilding After Cyclone Fengal

Cyclone Fengal’s destruction is a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the need for robust disaster preparedness. As Tamil Nadu begins the recovery process, the resilience of its people and the efforts of relief teams will play a crucial role in restoring normalcy.