Cyclone Fengal fury: Puducherry shuts schools, IMD warns Karnataka & Kerala of heavy rain

Cyclone Fengal made landfall near Puducherry on November 30, triggering heavy rains and floods. By Sunday, it weakened into a low-pressure area but left a trail of destruction. Authorities responded quickly to ensure safety and provide relief.

In Puducherry, torrential rains caused severe flooding, forcing the closure of all schools and colleges on December 3. Education Minister A. Namachivayam announced the holiday to prioritize safety. The government also promised ₹5,000 relief for each affected ration cardholder. Chief Minister N. Rangaswamy said the unexpected rain had brought 48% excess rainfall to the region.

Meanwhile, rescue teams worked tirelessly. Army personnel, alongside the NDRF, evacuated over 200 people trapped in flooded homes near Sankaraparani River. Their swift action prevented further casualties in the inundated areas.

In Tamil Nadu, heavy rains battered coastal districts. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin called for ₹2,000 crore in interim relief to address the widespread damage. Areas like Nagapattinam, Chennai, and Kanchipuram experienced devastating floods. Stalin stressed the urgency of relief efforts to rebuild lives and infrastructure.

Kerala also braced for impact. The IMD issued red alerts for five northern districts, including Kasaragod and Wayanad, warning of significant rainfall. Orange and yellow alerts were in place for central and southern districts. Authorities prepared for possible landslides and flooding in vulnerable areas.

Karnataka faced similar challenges. Bengaluru witnessed continuous rains since Sunday evening. Coastal Karnataka and South Interior Karnataka received moderate to heavy rainfall. Schools in Dakshina Kannada remained closed on December 3 as a precaution. The district, under orange alert, expected more downpours, prompting officials to stay vigilant.

Cyclone Fengal’s remnants continued to pose threats. IMD predicted its movement over the Arabian Sea near Karnataka and Kerala coasts by December 3. This could lead to more rainfall and localized flooding in the coming days.

South India stands united in tackling the cyclone’s aftermath. Relief operations, government assistance, and public cooperation remain crucial in minimizing damage and restoring normalcy.