Cyclone Fengal has wreaked havoc across South India and Sri Lanka, triggering torrential rains, flooding, and fatalities. Making landfall on November 30, 2024, the cyclone impacted the southern coast of India near Tamil Nadu's Karaikal region, registering wind speeds reaching 70 km/h (about 43 mph). This weather event has not only resulted in significant infrastructure challenges but has also witnessed emergency responses from local authorities to assist the affected populations.
Initially classified as a low-level cyclone, Fengal’s winds and heavy rains proved disruptive. According to local officials, it caused three confirmed fatalities due to collapsed structures and fallen trees. Two victims lost their lives when their homes collapsed in Tamil Nadu’s Nagapattinam district, and one fatality occurred from tree-related incidents in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district. Emergency response teams were deployed immediately to mitigate damage and assist where needed.
Despite the storm’s relative weakness compared to previous larger cyclones, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of severe weather conditions persisting throughout the affected areas. An orange alert was issued for parts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, urging residents to stay indoors and prepare for potential flooding and power outages.
Transportation systems faced significant disruptions as ferry services and local trains were halted for safety reasons. Coastal communities encountered rough seas, prompting evacuations for local fishing operations. Fortunately, the widespread damage was limited; initial reports revealed minimal infrastructure damage, with authorities swiftly working on recovery and relief operations.
While Cyclone Fengal's impact continues to be assessed, the Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh governments are actively mobilizing assistance programs including food distribution to displaced families. Providing aid to nearly 27,000 individuals since the cyclone made landfall, these measures have been coordinated through local canteens.
After making landfall, Cyclone Fengal weakened but continued to generate rainfall and flooding. Chennai and the Union Territory of Puducherry faced record rainfall levels, one of the highest seen over the last twenty years. With over 48.6 cm of rain recorded within 24 hours, residents faced enormous challenges as drainage systems failed to manage the deluge, resulting in flooded streets, submerged electrical stations, and severe waterlogging issues.
The India Meteorological Department updated forecasts indicating the cyclone would transition westward and continue to weaken, potentially affecting the Kerala-Karnataka coastlines as it downscaled to a low-pressure zone around December 3. Meanwhile, heavy rains are still expected across southern regions, especially coastal and Rayalaseema areas of Andhra Pradesh.
Adapting to continued heavy weather, local administrations, such as the University of Madras, made proactive decisions to postpone regular examinations slated for December 2 due to safety concerns stemming from flooding and travel disruptions. Other educational institutions, including schools and colleges across Puducherry and neighboring Tamil Nadu districts, announced closures to safeguard students.
Rescue efforts have ramped up across affected regions, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Indian Army units conducting evacuation operations. Boats are being utilized to navigate flooded neighborhoods, where stranded individuals are being rescued. Reports indicate these efforts have successfully aided numerous families finding themselves trapped amid the rising waters.
Overall, Cyclone Fengal has underscored the persistent vulnerability of Southern India to such extreme weather conditions. While this storm's relatively weak intensity brings some relief compared to past severe cyclones, the result has still been significant rainfall and flooding, producing challenges for local infrastructures and responses. Authorities remain focused on bolstering recovery efforts, ensuring surviving residents receive necessary support as weather patterns evolve.
It's important to note the broader impact felt by surrounding regions, with reports from Sri Lanka noting fatalities related to the cyclone's path. Combined, the toll includes at least 19 deceased as both countries grapple with the aftermath. Evaluations continue as recovery solutions are planned, keeping resident safety as the primary focus.
