Cyclone Fengal Slams India’s Coast: 3 Dead, Torrential Rains Flood Chennai and Puducherry
At least three people have died in Chennai as Cyclone Fengal unleashed heavy rains and fierce winds, making landfall along the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Saturday night. The storm brought torrential downpours that flooded streets, homes, and disrupted daily life.
The cyclone crossed the northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts near Puducherry with wind speeds of 70 to 80 kilometers per hour (kmph), gusting up to 90 kmph. The relentless rains caused severe flooding in low-lying areas and led to major disruptions in flights and train services in Chennai.
In Chennai, rainfall measurements shattered records, with the highest at 13.2 centimeters at Jaya Engineering College’s weather station, followed by 11.4 cm in Meenambakkam and 10.4 cm in Nungambakkam. The Chennai airport, closed for 16 hours due to the storm, reopened on Sunday morning, but numerous flights were cancelled or delayed.
Residential areas on the outskirts of Puducherry faced heavy flooding, with water inundating homes and streets. The cyclone uprooted trees in many places, causing widespread power outages since Saturday. Many residents found themselves trapped indoors, unable to venture outside due to waterlogged roads.
Shops and businesses remained shuttered as authorities set up relief centers for those evacuated from flood-prone areas. The Indian army stepped in, rescuing over 100 people from the flooded regions of Puducherry.
As the communities begin the arduous task of recovery, local officials urge residents to stay safe and follow updates for further weather advisories.
Reference(s):
Cyclone Fengal kills 3, brings heavy rain in India's coastal areas
cgtn.com
