Cyclone Fengal drenches Puducherry, closes schools; weakened storm moves towards Karnataka, Kerala

Cyclone Fengal weakened on Sunday after making landfall near Puducherry, but it caused record rainfall and severe flooding. Puducherry logged its highest rainfall in three decades, prompting the deployment of the Army and NDRF for rescue operations. Teams evacuated stranded residents using boats as submerged streets and power outages disrupted daily life.

Schools and colleges in Puducherry will remain closed through December 2 due to the continued risk of heavy rainfall. Nearby Tamil Nadu districts, including Villupuram and Cuddalore, also face school closures and rainfall alerts. Cyclone Fengal, now a low-pressure system, is expected to move toward the Kerala-Karnataka coast by December 3, bringing more rain to those regions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Bengaluru and surrounding areas, forecasting rough weather and light to moderate rain until December 5. Meanwhile, authorities in Tamil Nadu reported minimal damage but confirmed four deaths, three from electrocution in Chennai. CM Stalin highlighted relief measures, including the distribution of 27,000 food packets and clearing water from 21 of Chennai’s 23 subways.

Flooding overwhelmed lakes and dams in Kanchipuram and Chengalpattu, causing overflow. In Puducherry, 48.6 cm of rain in 24 hours overwhelmed drainage systems, submerging roads and electrical infrastructure. The Lieutenant Governor described it as one of the region’s heaviest rainfalls.

Examinations at the University of Madras were postponed, and train and flight services faced widespread disruption. Many passengers experienced delays of 8 to 10 hours due to canceled flights. Despite ongoing challenges, officials emphasized quick action to restore normalcy.

Neighboring Sri Lanka also suffered from the cyclone, with a combined death toll of 19 reported between India and Sri Lanka. Heavy rain and strong winds disrupted life across affected regions, showcasing the cyclone’s wide impact.

As Cyclone Fengal continues to weaken, authorities in Kerala and Karnataka prepare for its effects. Disaster management teams remain on alert, emphasizing public safety and preparedness. With its remnants expected to linger, officials aim to minimize further disruptions and address the aftermath in severely impacted areas.