As Cyclone Fengal intensifies over the Bay of Bengal, Chennai and nearby areas are bracing for heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and travel disruptions. The Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority (TNSDMA) has set up various emergency measures and helplines for public assistance, while the government has activated relief centres across Chennai to accommodate those affected.
Cyclone Fengal, as of 11:30 AM on November 30, was situated approximately 100 km east-northeast of Puducherry and 100 km southeast of Chennai, continuing its westward movement towards the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts. The cyclone is expected to make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry, with wind speeds of 70-80 kmph, gusting up to 90 kmph, by the evening. The weather system is predicted to move slowly as it approaches the coast, impacting the region with heavy rains and strong winds.
The Tamil Nadu government has provided several helplines to assist residents and travelers in need. The State helpline is 1070, while the district helpline is 1077. For WhatsApp-based assistance, residents can contact 9445869848. Southern Railway has set up various passenger assistance numbers to help stranded travelers:
Chennai’s toll-free number is 1913, with WhatsApp support available at 9445551913. Additionally, the “Namma Chennai” mobile app offers real-time updates.
In an effort to support the public, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has announced that food will be provided free of charge at Amma canteens across Chennai on Saturday. This initiative aims to ensure that people affected by the cyclone, especially those stranded or unable to travel, have access to essential meals.
Chennai International Airport has suspended all flights from 12:30 PM to 7:00 PM due to adverse weather conditions. Nine flights from destinations including Tiruchi, Thoothukudi, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and New Delhi were diverted to Bengaluru Airport. To assist stranded passengers, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) is operating chartered buses from the airport to key locations such as Chennai Central railway station and major bus termini.
In terms of local travel, Chennai Beach-Tambaram EMU services have been restricted to operate only between Chennai Beach and Pallavaram. Additionally, Chengalpattu – Chennai Beach EMU trains are running between Chengalpattu and Vandalur. Suburban services in the MRTS section between Chennai Beach and Velachery have been suspended due to strong winds from the cyclone.
As of 1 PM, seven subways in Chennai have been closed due to waterlogging. These include:
Heavy rainfall has led to severe waterlogging in several parts of the city, causing further disruptions to traffic and transportation.
In response to the cyclone, the Greater Chennai Corporation has set up 198 relief centres across all 15 zones of the city. These centres have the capacity to accommodate up to 36,250 people in need of shelter. Residents are encouraged to make use of these facilities if necessary, especially in areas affected by flooding and other storm-related impacts.
As of the latest rainfall data recorded at 8:30 AM:
The heavy rainfall is expected to continue through the day, with further downpours predicted as Cyclone Fengal makes landfall.
Karnataka Lokayukta conducted a surprise inspection of KC General Hospital in Bengaluru's Malleswaram area on…
The woman, in her complaint, alleged that Kapoor invited her to his residence on November…
The man who threw the liquid on AAP covener Arvind Kejriwal was apprehended by security…
As Cyclone Fengal intensifies, the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are bracing for…
The Brownprint India Tour, organized by White Fox India, will see Dhillon perform in three…
Shyam Das Prabhu was reportedly detained without an official warrant while attempting to visit his…