Cyclone Fengal Highlights | Rain holiday for Puducherry schools and colleges tomorrow: Education Minister

Cyclone Fengal forms over Bay of Bengal

After playing truant for two days, the Deep Depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal intensified into Cyclone Fengal on Friday afternoon and is expected to make landfall between Karaikal and Mamallapuram on Saturday afternoon.

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Storm intensified into cyclone at 2:30pm today: IMD

“Cyclonic Storm Fengal (pronounced as FENJAL) has formed over Southwest Bay of Bengal at 2.30 pm today,” the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, announced.

Heavy rainfall has submerged 2,000 acres of agricultural land in Karaikal, Puducherry

Heavy rain lashes Chengalpattu as depression over the Bay of Bengal intensifies into storm

Cyclone is still 300-350 km away from the coastline of Tamil Nadu: IMD head Ananda Das

IMD Head Ananda Das says, "As far as the impact of the cyclone is concerned, slight rainfall has started. It is still 300-350 km away from the coastline of Tamil Nadu.

"The landfall is expected tomorrow evening on the coast of Tamil Nadu. The speed of wind would be 70-80 kmph gusting to 90kmph. It has turned into a cyclonic storm.

"Coastal districts of North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh will receive heavy rainfall. On November 30, there will be heavy rainfall in the interior area of Tamil Nadu. Red alert has been issued in view of heavy rainfall."

Satellite feed showing Cyclone formation over Bay of Bengal

Credit: Zoom Earth

Extremely heavy rainfall warning for districts of Nellore, Tirupati and Chittoor for the next 24 hours

"It is likely to move in the northwest direction and intensify into a cyclonic storm. In the next six hours, it is likely to move in the northwest direction towards and cross North Tamil Nadu and the Puducherry coast.

"Cyclone alert has been issued for the adjoining districts of Tamil Nadu. We have given an extremely heavy rainfall warning for the districts of Nellore, Tirupati and Chittoor for the next 24 hours," says Director of Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre.

Drone visuals of high tide and waves from the shores of Mahabalipuram

IMD has issued an advisory for fishermen across Tamil Nadu, urging them to avoid venturing into the sea until November 30

The IMD has issued an advisory for fishermen across Tamil Nadu, urging them to avoid venturing into the sea until November 30 due to adverse weather conditions. Visuals are from Thoothukudi.

Puducherry Port raises storm warning signal number 7 as Cyclone Fengal is set to make landfall tomorrow evening as per the IMD

Schools, colleges to remain shut in Kanchipuram district

Kanchipuram District Collector Kalaiselvi Mohan has announced a holiday for schools and colleges including private educational institutions in Kanchipuram district, on November 30, due to heavy rainfall warning by MET, reports ANI.

Chennai receives rainfall

Storm moved northwestwards with a speed of 15 kmph during past 6 hours: IMD

The storm moved northwestwards with a speed of 15 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centred at 1730 hours IST of today, the 29th November 2024 over the same region near latitude 11.5°N and longitude 81.9°E, about 330 km north-northeast of Trincomalee, 240 km east-northeast of Nagappattinam, 230 km east-southeast of Puducherry and 250 km southeast of Chennai.

It is likely to move west-northwestwards and cross north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram close to Puducherry as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph during afternoon of 30th November, reported IMD

Tamil Nadu on high alert as Cyclone Fengal nears the coast

Asking district collectors to take precautionary measures, the government said about 1,193 JCBs, 806 boats, 977 generators, 1,786 tree cutters, and 2,439 motor pumps have been kept ready in nine districts of Chennai, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Cuddalore, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kanchipuram. NDRF and SDRF teams have also been rushed to the districts that are likely to be affected by the cyclone.

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Satellite feed showing Cyclone formation over Bay of Bengal

Credit: Zoom Earth

Tamil Nadu braces for Cyclone Fengal

Officials ask people to stay indoors due to Fengal cyclone landfall near Puducherry

Officials in Puducherry have asked the residents to stay indoors in view of cyclonic storm Fengal's likely landfall near Puducherry on Saturday afternoon.

All schools and colleges here will remain closed on Saturday, they said.

The cyclonic storm is likely to make landfall close to Puducherry with wind speeds up to 90 kmph, the India Meteorological Department said on Friday.

District Collector A Kulothungan held discussions with the officials of PWD, local administration, police and other line departments and reviewed the situation. (PTI)

As Cyclone Fengal approaches, Chengalpattu in Tamil Nadu sees rough seas and gusty winds

Satellite feed showing Cyclone Fengal's development from 0000 hrs to 0830 hrs on November 30

Credit: ZoomEarth

Visuals from Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu ahead of Cyclone Fengal's landfall

Rough seas observed in Vishakhapatnam as Cyclone Fengal approaches

Heavy rains lash Tamil Nadu as Fengal continues to moves towards coastline

Heavy rains accompanied by gusty winds pounded several parts of northern Tamil Nadu on Saturday, affecting normalcy, as cyclonic storm Fengal, expected to make landfall near Puducherry later in the day, continued moving towards the coast.

What began as intermittent rainfall in coastal regions on the night of November 29, gradually became steady leading to water logging in several areas and many residents of low-lying Madipakkam parked their vehicles on both sides of nearby Velachery flyover.

Residents of similar vulnerable areas too parked their vehicles in safe areas. Roads were largely deserted and civic workers, police, and fire and rescue personnel were deployed in all vulnerable places.

Departure and arrival schedule of flights were affected to some extent. (PTI)

Twelve flights cancelled at Chennai Airport

Landing of aircraft becoming increasingly difficult due to water stagnation in the runway

Ennore in Chennai records 8 cm rainfall in just six hours; Anna Nagar recorded 10 cm rainfall since last night

IndiGo suspends arrival and departure flight operations at Chennai Airport

Pondy govt issues heavy rain alert to residents via SMS

Puducherry experienced heavy rains on Saturday morning prompting the district administration to send SMS alerts to around 12 lakh residents cautioning them to remain vigilant as cyclonic storm Fengal is expected to make landfall near here later in the day.

District Collector A Kulothungan told PTI that all necessary steps have been taken to ensure that people remained safe.

"We have evacuated people from low lying areas and shelter homes were also ready to accommodate them. Arrangements were also made to supply food packets," he said, adding that National Disaster Relief Force from Arakonam has arrived to engage in relief and rehabilitation works. (PTI)

Jewellery shops to be closed in Chennai and its suburbs, while cinema halls will be closed in all districts affected by rains in Tamil Nadu

Rough seas seen in Mahabalipuram as Fengal approaches TN coast

Flights in disarray as rain batters Tamil Nadu

Heavy rains disrupted operations at the Chennai Airport with Indigo temporarily suspending arrival and departure of its aircraft from the facility. The airline says it will resume operations once weather is back to normal.

The cyclone, which lay 150 km east of Puducherry and 140 km southeast of Chennai at 5.30 am, is expected to make landfall near Puducherry between Karaikal and Mamallapuram by Saturday evening.

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1,686 motor pumps deployed in Chennai to clear waterlogging

Heavy rains in Chennai caused waterlogging in 134 locations. Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) deployed 1,686 motor pumps to drain stagnant water.

Seven subways were closed for traffic too.

Tamil Nadu CM Stalin reviews precautionary measures ahead of Fengal's landfall

Incessant rains to batter TN for 2-3 days, relief work being carried out, says Stalin

Heavy rains, gusty winds force closure of Chennai Airport till 7 pm

Heavy winds affected landing and take-off of aircraft since Saturday morning forcing the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to close operations at the Chennai Airport till 7 pm. Over 22 flights, including departures and arrivals, were cancelled since Saturday morning, while Indigo closed its operations even before the airport management took a call to suspend its functions. “Chennai Airport operations will be suspended from 1230 hrs to 1900 hrs on 30.11.2024 (today) following safety concerns raised by stakeholder airlines,” the airport said in a statement.

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Latest visuals from rain-hit Puducherry

IMD warns against fishermen venturing into sea as storm expected to make landfall soon

Chance of cyclone slowing down, expected to make landfall in 10-12 hours: Delhi Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre

Road being cleared by the officials as trees uprooted in Chennai's Besant Nagar area due to gusty winds and rain

Cyclone Fengal likely to cross north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram close to Puducherry as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph on 30th November evening: IMD

Heavy to very heavy rainfall with isolated extremely heavy rainfall likely over north Tamil Nadu & Puducherry on 30th November & 1st December and south Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam & Rayalaseema on 30th November: IMD

Regions vulnerable to flash floods

Moderate to High flash flood risk likely over few watersheds & neighbourhoods of following Met Sub-divisions during next 24 hours.

Areas likely to be affected:

Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam - Prakasam and Nellore districts.

Rayalaseema - Chittoor and Kadapa districts.

South Interior Karnataka - Chamarajanagar, Kolar and Ramnagar districts.

Tamil Nadu - Puducherry & Karaikal - Ariyalur, Chennai, Cuddalore, Dharampuri, Erode, Kanchipuram, Krishnagiri, Namakkal, Perambalur, Salem, Tiruchirappalli, Tiruvallur, Tiruvannamalai, Puducherry and Vellore districts.

Surface runoff/ Inundation may occur at some fully saturated soils & low-lying areas over Area of Concern (AoC) as shown in map due to expected rainfall occurrence in next 24 hours.

Police puts barricades in Tharangambadi Beach, Tamil Nadu to restrict people's entry amid cyclone warning

Heavy rainfall lashes parts of Tirupati as Cyclone Fengal is heading towards the coast of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh

Visuals from Chennai Airport where the operations are temporarily shut down till 7 pm today as heavy rainfall and strong winds intensified ahead of Cyclone Fengal's expected landfall: Airport authorities

Worker from Odisha electrocuted at Muthialpet ATM as rain pounds coast

A migrant was electrocuted in Muthialpet in Puducherry on Saturday after coming into contact with a snapped live cable while attempting to withdraw cash from an ATM.

The deceased was identified as Chandan, a migrant worker from Odisha. On Saturday morning, he had walked to the ATM kiosk. But when he pushed the door, he lost his balance and held onto an electricity pole nearby, coming in contact with a live wire and was thrown to the ground.

Onlookers rescued Chandan and rushed him to the Government Hospital, where he was declared him dead on arrival.

Red Zones for Nov 30: IMD

Heavy rains likely in southern parts of Andhra Pradesh

The India Meteorological Department predicted light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers at many places over south coastal and Rayalaseema regions while extremely heavy rains are expected at one or two places over SPSR-Nellore, Tirupati and Chittoor districts of Andhra Pradesh on Saturday. According to IMD, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely at one or two places over South Coastal and Rayalaseema due to Cyclone Fengal. Heavy rain is likely to occur at one or two places over the Prakasam, SPSR-Nellore, YSR Kadapa, Annamayya, Tirupati and Chittoor Districts on Sunday, it said. Squally winds with speed reaching 50 Kmph may prevail over South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema.

Tambaram Railway Tunnel submerged

Udhayanidhi Stalin takes stock of Cyclone Fengal's damage

"As per instructions of Hon'ble Chief Minister M K Stalin, we inspected today at the Integrated Command and Control Center functioning at Ripon Building [Chennai Corporation office] as heavy rain has continued since this morning in various places under Metropolitan Chennai Corporation," Udhayanidhi wrote in a tweet.

"As of 3:00 pm, we asked the officials there about the areas where water has accumulated due to rain, the functioning of the relief camps, the safety of the public, the details of the calls coming to the control room, etc. Also, we continued monitoring during and after the storm made landfall and issued instructions to take measures to avoid affecting the people," he added.

We are investigating the impact of the rain in person: Udhayanidhi Stalin

"As heavy rains are falling in Chennai due to Cyclone Fengal, we are investigating the impact of the rain in person. We investigated the draining of rain water in Purasaivakkam Thana Street area and asked the opinions of the public," Udhayanidhi Stalin wrote in a tweet.

Villivakkam City Corporation employees working to drain rainwater with a tractor engine near Citco Nagar Government Boys High School

M K Stalin monitors disaster preparedness as heavy rains lash Chennai before Cyclone Fengal makes landfall

"I consulted with District Collectors at the State Emergency Operations Center to address the impacts; Inspected Cooking Halls and Pumping Stations. Government and municipal employees are ready to face the storm. I request the public to follow the guidelines of the government and stay safe," M K Stalin wrote in a tweet about disaster preparedness before Cyclone Fengal makes landfall.

The Tamil Nadu chief minister visited the State Emergency Operations Center and reviewed the precautionary measures taken in the districts of Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram Ranipettai and the effects of the rains with the District Heads through video. Stalin also addressed the press after inspecting the State Emergency Operations Center.

At present, Cyclone Fengal is moving at a rate of 10 kmph: Head of Chennai IMD

"As of now, Cyclone Fengal is about 100kms northeast of Puducherry and 100kms southeast of Chennai. At present, it is moving at a rate of 10kmph. It is expected to cross near to Puducherry today evening... It will a few hours. The windspeed at the time of crossing (landfall) will be 70-80kmph gusting to 90kmph," says Dr S Balachandran, Director, Meteorological Department, Chennai.

Watch: Scenes from Arumbakkam road; Severe waterlogging witnessed in parts of Chennai

Former Ambassador of India to United Nations, TS Tirumurti, tweets photos of his 'island' home in Chennai

Cyclone Fengal landfall expected by 8:30 pm; Chennai Airport to stay shut till 4 am on Sunday

Cyclone Fengal induced rains cause heavy inundation, people park vehicles on flyovers

Hospitals and houses were inundated in Chennai and its neighbourhoods on Saturday following Cyclone Fengal induced heavy downpour, as civic authorities said clearing works were on in a 'war-footing.'

Curiously, a lot of people, especially young men and women, frolicked at beaches, and strangely, visitors could be spotted at the Mamallapuram world heritage site too, despite the government warning people against going near beaches, in view of the high tides. Wind speed was pretty high in coastline areas such as Marakkanam in Villupuram district.

Rainwater entered the premises of two state-run hospitals at Chromepet, a general hospital and a facility for thoracic medicine, both of which are located side by side and frequented by people.

Water was close to the level of one's ankle even inside the hospital, leaving health care seekers and doctors in a tight spot. Police and local authorities placed sandbags at entry points and said all steps were being taken to address the issue.

Barricades could be seen strewn around at several roads including Anna Salai and a traffic light fell down at Sriperumbudur.

Several residential neighbourhoods were heavily inundated here. These included parts of Korattur, Velachery-Madipakkam and Kodungaiyur. Rain water entered houses in suburban localities, such as the Hasthinapuram--Tirumalai Nagar, and residents had to place even refrigerators and washing machines on cots to prevent them from getting damaged.

In a rain-related incident, a migrant worker who tried to withdraw cash from an ATM here, was reportedly electrocuted.

Public transportation services were hit and people used flyovers and spaces beneath them as parking lots to avoid a repeat of what was endured during the 2015 floods. In view of the rains and copious inflows, reservoirs such as Chembarambakkam looked like an ocean.

Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) authorities said 22,000 personnel including engineers, officials and sanitary workers were on the job and a total of 1,686 motor pumps of various capacities including 25-hp and 100-hp were in use.

As many as 484 tractor-mounted heavy-duty pumps and 137 pumps of 100-hp capacity have been deployed. The GCC said work was on in a 'war-footing' to clear waterlogging in 134 spots and out of the 9 trees that fell, 5 have been cleared.

Downstream water flow at Okkiyam Maduvu is flowing out towards sea: Greater Chennai Corporation

Welfare items like rice, bread, milk, blankets given to people of Manali, Sadayankuppam, Irular residential areas today: Udhayanidhi Stalin

Landfall begins; track Cyclone Fengal forecasted path

Cyclone Fengal's forecasted path that may shift within the green 'cone of uncertainity'

Current 3D image of 'Feinjal' storm cloud clusters on Chennai Radar

Fengal likely to move west-southwestwards and cross north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram close to Puducherry as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph during next 3 to 4 hours: IMD

Parts of Chennai Airport inundated due to heavy rainfall as Cyclone Fengal makes landfall near Puducherry coast

Stranded passengers at the airport, in Chennai, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Chennai airport announced suspension of operations till 4 am on December 1 following heavy inundation of runways and the taxiway, due to the cyclone 'Fengal' triggered rains and the 'adverse weather condition,' with over 50 flights being cancelled and scores of passengers left in the lurch.

Cyclone Fengal: In Pictures

Cyclonic storm Fengal commenced making landfall close to Puducherry and it may approximately take 4 hours for it to cross the coast completely, an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official said here on Saturday. Citing data and observations, IMD-Regional Meteorological Centre, Additional Director General, S Balachandran told PTI that the process of the cyclone's landfall commenced at about 5.30 pm on November 30. On the area of landfall, he said it was close to 'Puducherry area' and that it may take approximately 4 hours for the completion of the landfall process and added that more related information would be made available later.

In an update at 7.35 pm, the IMD said: "Latest observations indicate that the forward sector of spiral bands associated with the cyclone has entered into the land. It is likely to move west-southwestwards and cross north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram close to Puducherry as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph during next 3 to 4 hours."

The cyclonic storm over Southwest Bay of Bengal was about 40 km away from the coast, 50 km south-southeast of Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), 60 km east-northeast of Puducherry and 90 km south of Chennai, the IMD added.

Cyclone Fengal status @ 2030 IST

Cyclone Fengal is 40 km east-northeast of Puduchery. The forward sector of spiral bands continues to move into the land: IMD

M K Stalin highlights DMK's War Room to spearhead aid and outreach activities

M K Stalin put a spotlight on DMK's 'war room' at Anna Vidyalayam to spearhead aid and outreach activities. He tweeted: "While the government is working on one hand facing the impacts, I visited and studied war room set up in Anna Vidyalayam on behalf of DMK's IT wing to stand at the forefront of helping those who need help. The work of the association will continue by taking the requests received to the members of the Parliament - Legislature - Parliament and members of the association working in the field, and coordinating them to get appropriate help!"

Chennai traffic police advisory: Sand on roads to prevent accidents

"Due to stormy winds, the road is heavily covered with sand and motorists are advised to proceed with caution," the Greater Chennai Traffic Police tweeted.

Some Chennai subways get flooded

Over 50 patients at Chromepet Government General Hospital were safely relocated; Rainwater removal efforts undertaken to protect the hospital and its residents

Flood waters touch railway bridge in Chennai Basin Bridge Canal

If the heavy rains continue, railway staff are keeping a constant vigil as there is a possibility of inundation of the tracks, the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority tweeted in response to a Sun News report.

Cyclone Fengal Update @ 2130 Hrs

Cyclone Fengal now over Southwest Bay of Bengal and has been moving west-southwestwards with a speed of 10 kmph during the past 6 hours.

At 2130 hours IST as of today, the cyclone lay centred over the southwest Bay of Bengal close to North Tamil Nadu - Puducherry coasts near latitude 12.2°N and longitude 80.0°E, close to the coast, 50 km south-southwest of Mahabalipuram, 30 km northeast of Puducherry and 90 km south-southwest of Chennai.

Current wind intensity: 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph

Forecast: Latest observations indicate that the forward sector of spiral bands associated with the cyclone has entered into the land. It is likely to move west-southwestwards and cross north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram close to Puducherry as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph during next 3 to 4 hours. The system is being continuously monitored by the Doppler Weather Radar at Chennai.

Precipitation:

Chennai (Meenambakkam): 11.4cm

Chennai (Nungambakkam): 11.4cm

Pudducherry: 17 cm

Cuddalore: 7cm

Operations at Chennai Airport to resume shortly

Rains lash TN, Pondy; cyclonic storm 'Fengal' makes landfall

Cyclone Fengal-triggered heavy rains accompanied by gusty winds lashed northern Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Puducherry on Saturday, prompting a shutdown of the Chennai airport, and inundated many parts of the city but there were no immediate reports of a major damage, the government said.

The cyclonic storm made a landfall close to the Puducherry union territory area.

Steady rains pounded Chennai, its nearby districts and Puducherry affecting public transport, including bus, train and flight services and people from vulnerable areas were moved to safe shelters by authorities. From afternoon onwards, there were intermittent rains in most areas and by nightfall, it ceased.

Here's how Tamil Nadu braced itself for Cyclone Fengal

Flood-like situation in Puducherry after landfall; storm to weaken into deep depression, says IMD

Meanwhile, operations at the Chennai airport, which had been suspended on Sunday, resumed past midnight but many flights suffered cancellations and delays, officials said.

Further, Puducherry recorded its highest rainfall of 46 cm, IMD-Regional Meteorological Centre, Additional Director General, S Balachandran, said in an update at 7.30 am on Sunday.

He said Cyclone Fengal started making landfall near Puducherry around 5.30 pm on Saturday and completed the process "between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm."

It now lay close to Puducherry.

"It is likely to move westwards slowly and weaken gradually into a deep depression over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry (Puducherry)," he said.

While Mailam in Tamil Nadu's Villupuram district recorded 50 cm rainfall during the period 8.30 am November 30 and 5.30 am Sunday, Puducherry recorded 46 cm.

This was the highest rainfall received by Puducherry. The UT had received 21 cm rainfall on October 31, 2004, he said.

Operations at the Chennai airport resumed past midnight on Saturday but there were cancellations and delays. As many as 24 domestic services were cancelled and 26 international flights, both arriving and departing were delayed, officials said.

(PTI)

Puducherry collector says schools and colleges will be turned into relief centres

-DHNS

An Airbus A320neo of IndiGo Airlines struggled to touch down in Chennai, journalist claims on X

DH has not independently verified the authenticity of the video.

Garbage removal under way in Tirupati to avoid water-logging

Unprecedented rainfall paralyses life in Pondy

Puducherry: Normal life was crippled in Puducherry on Sunday due to heavy rains that lashed the union territory in the wake of Cyclone Fengal, which crossed the coast here on November 30 night. According to India Meteorological Department, Puducherry recorded 46 cm rainfall during the last 24 hours ending 9 am today. Cyclone Fengal triggered heavy rainfall leading to inundation of all residential areas on the outskirts Of boulevard limits. 

(PTI)

Troops of Indian Army rescue over 100 personnel in Puducherry

Stalin visits areas in Kolathur, interacts with locals

Here is what Tamil Nadu CM Stalin said regarding relief measures:

"Yesterday we faced cyclone Fengal. 21 out of 23 subways have been cleared in Chennai. From yesterday by Amma restaurant 27000 people have got food packets. Concern Ministers are in districts to do the needful. In all the Districts precautionary measures have been made. I request the central government to send a central team to see the situation evolved due to cyclone and crop damage."

(Source: ANI)

Cyclone Fengal has weakened into deep depression; likely to move westwards very slowly weakening into a depression over north Tamil Nadu in next 12 hours: IMD

IMD forecast till Dec 1 evening:

Cyclonic Storm Fengal [pronounced as FEINJAL] over north coastal Tamil Nadu & Puducherry remained practically stationary during past 12 hours, weakened into a deep depression  and lay centered at 1130 hours IST of today, over the same region near latitude 12.0°N and longitude 79.8°E, close to Puducherry, about 30 km north of Cuddalore, 40 km east of Villupuram and 120 km south-southwest of Chennai.

It is likely to move westwards very slowly and weaken gradually into a depression over north Tamil Nadu during the next 12 hours. The system is being continuously monitored by the Doppler Weather Radar at Karaikal.

Puducherry LG visits rain-affected areas, inspects NDRF's relief and rescue efforts

Puducherry LG K. Kailashnathan visited the rain-affected areas in Krishna Nagar. LG also inspected the work of the National Disaster Response Force and inquired from the officials about the situation prevailing in the area due to the rains.

Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin tweets on relief and rescue efforts; distributes aid material

Udhayanidhi Stalin tweeted on rescue and relief efforts saying, "On the orders of the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M K Stalin, we are personally inspecting the areas affected by heavy rains in Villupuram district. People affected by the rains in Marakanam, Villupuram district have been accommodated in a temporary relief camp set up at Marakanam Government Boys Higher Secondary School. We met them in person and gave them a package of blankets-clothes-groceries. We assured them that our corporation government will support them."

Earlier, he had distributed relief materials to Irular tribal families sheltered in Mamallapuram camp, inspected areas affected by heavy rains in Vadapattinam village, Latur union, Chengalpattu district, where people were accommodated in temporary relief camps. He also visited a medical camp set up at Mamallapuram Muthamil Stadium.

CM M K Stalin had in the meantime visited the state emergency operation centre to review the situation.

Cyclone Fengal kills 19 in India and Sri Lanka; Puducherry hit by heaviest 24-hour rainfall in 30 years

Cyclone Fengal killed at least 19 people in India and Sri Lanka and caused flooding in Tamil Nadu state and the Puducherry region after crossing India's southern coast from the Bay of Bengal on Saturday.

Puducherry had been hit by the heaviest 24-hour rainfall in 30 years, India's weather office said on social media on Sunday.

While Mailam in Tamil Nadu's Villupuram district recorded 50 cm rainfall during the period 8.30 am November 30 and 5.30 am Sunday, Puducherry recorded 46 cm.

This was the highest rainfall received by Puducherry — the UT had received 21 cm rainfall on October 31, 2004.

The cyclone left parts of the southern city of Chennai inundated. Flights from the city were temporarily suspended on Saturday, but had resumed as of early Sunday morning, India's airport authority said.

Visuals on local media showed gusty winds and heavy rainfall with roads submerged and boats being used to rescue people.

The Indian army was running relief operations in Puducherry for people in the eye of the storm, while rainfall eased in Chennai.

In Sri Lanka, 16 people were killed, with heavy rains affecting a total of 138,944 families, the latest data from the Disaster Management Centre in Colombo showed.

Cyclone Fengal remains stationary near Pondy, to weaken in next 3 hrs: IMD

Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall near Puducherry on November 30, remained stationary near the union territory and will gradually weaken in the next three hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Sunday.

Meanwhile, operations at the Chennai airport resumed past midnight on Saturday but there were cancellations and delays. As many as 24 domestic services were cancelled and 26 international flights, both arriving and departing were delayed, officials said.

Further, Puducherry recorded its highest rainfall of 46 cm, IMD-Regional Meteorological Centre, Additional Director General, S Balachandran, said in an update at 7.30 am on Sunday.

He said Cyclone Fengal started making landfall near Puducherry around 5.30 pm on Saturday and completed the process "between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm."

It now lies close to Puducherry.

"It is likely to move westwards slowly and weaken gradually into a deep depression over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry (Puducherry)," he said.

IMD forecast: Valid till Dec. 2

- Light to moderate rain at many places with thunderstorm and lightning at one or two places is likely to occur over Tamil Nadu (at many places over North Tamilnadu and at a few places over South Tamil Nadu), Puducherry and Karaikal area.

- Isolated heavy to very heavy rain with extremely heavy rain at one or two places is likely to occur over Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore districts and Puducherry.

- Heavy to very heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Tiruvannamalai, Dharmapuri, Salem, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam districts and Karaikal area.

- Heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Chennai, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Vellore, Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, Erode, Nilgiris, Namakkal, Tiruchirapalli and Pudukkottai districts.

Chennai-specific Forecast: Next 7 days

Puducherry-specific Forecast: Next 7 days

Cyclonic Storm ‘Fengal’ has weakened into a Deep Depression over north coastal Tamil Nadu & Puducherry

Light to moderate spells over Salem, Dharmapuri, Villupuram districts and intense spells over Tiruvannamalai: IMD

Cyclone Fengal's landfall causes drop in temperatures in Bengaluru; minimum temperature expected to fall to around 20 degrees Celsius: Bengaluru MET

Bengaluru braces for downpours over the next six days as temperatures drop with Cyclone Fengal's landfall. The meteorological department has predicted cloudy weather in Bengaluru, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Ramanagara and Chamarajanagara. These districts are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall.

Dams are overflowing due to continuous rainfall in Kanchipuram district

After Pondy destruction, Villupuram gets 'unprecedented rainfall' as per TN CM M K Stalin

Besides Pondy, Villupuram in neighbouring Tamil Nadu has also suffered heavy rains and inundation, with Chief Minister M K Stalin terming the rainfall in the district as 'unprecedented'.

According to the latest update from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Fengal has weakened into a deep depression.

In Chennai, Tamil Nadu CM Stalin briefed reporters about the cyclone and its impact in the city and elsewhere.

He pointed out that Villupuram had received heavy rainfall, with Mailam in the district recording 49 cm, followed by Nemmeli at 46 cm and Vanur (41 cm) in the last 24 hours.

"Villupuram has received unprecedented rainfall and we are monitoring the situation," he said.

In some affected places, boats were deployed for evacuation of the flood-affected local residents, and district minister K Ponmudy (Forest) was overseeing the rescue and relief efforts.

He will be joined by his cabinet colleagues SS Sivasankaran and V Senthil Balaji, even as a team of IAS officials was camping in the district. The CM added that 12 teams of NDRF and SDRF have been rushed to Villupuram, located about 40 km from Puducherry and about 170 km from state capital Chennai.

With nearby Cuddalore also receiving copious rains, Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin has been rushed to oversee the rescue and relief efforts in both districts, Stalin said.

"The two districts are being monitored. We are going to request the Centre to depute a team to assess the damage in Villupuram, Cuddalore and Chengelpet," the CM said.

With the downpour continuing in many districts, the government could consider relief to affected persons only after rains subside. A review of damage to standing crops could also be taken up only after rain stops, Stalin said.

The matter will be discussed and the state government will apprise the Centre later, he added.

TV visuals showed heavy flooding in Tindivanam town of Villupuram.

As regards Chennai, he said that despite heavy rains in the city on Saturday, there was no inundation in many parts due to the precautionary works and desilting activities.

In north Chennai, water was cleared using large motors. About 1,700 motor pumps of different capacity were on standby. Of the 22 subways in Chennai, traffic movement was smooth in 21, while one was already closed due to railway work, Stalin said.

A little over 1000 people have been accommodated in 32 camps and food and water was being provided to them. Further, till Sunday, 9.10 lakh food packets have been distributed, while food was being provided free of cost through state-run Amma canteens and this has benefited about 1.07 lakh persons, the CM said.

Stalin earlier held a review meeting regarding the rain situation and the rescue and relief efforts of the government.

Rain holiday for Puducherry schools and colleges tomorrow: Education Minister A Namachivayam

Due to continuous heavy rains, a holiday has been declared tomorrow in all the government and government-aided schools, private schools and all colleges in Puducherry, said Education Minister A Namachivayam

Heavy Rainfall warnings for Dec 1 to Dec 3

Cyclone Fengal has wiped out Northeast monsoon's rain deficit within one day

Actual - 394.2 mm Normal - 357.6 mm Departure from Normal - 10%.

Yesterday alone Tamil Nadu got 39.4 mm by average.

Watch: Waterlogged T Nagar area in Chennai

Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin tweets on relief and rescue efforts in Cuddalore, Villupuram

Strong Wind Advisory till Dec 1 evening: IMD

Strong winds with speed reaching 60-70 kmph gusting upto 80 kmph is likely to prevail over Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, Cuddalore, Kallakurichi, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Mayiladuthurai, Namakkal, Salem and Tiruchirapalli districts and Puducherry till evening, thereafter the wind speed is likely to gradually decrease and reach 50-60 kmph speed.

Warning for fishermen: Total suspension of operation till Dec 1 evening

• Total suspension of fishing operations till evening of 1st December over southwest and adjoining westcentral Bay of Bengal. Very Rough to Rough Sea conditions is likely to prevail over southwest Bay of Bengal adjoining areas of westcentral Bay of Bengal, and along & off North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts, and adjoining areas of westcentral Bay of Bengal, Gulf of Mannar, along & off South Andhra Pradesh and north Sri Lanka coasts till midnight of today, the 1st December. It will gradually improve thereafter.

• Fishermen are advised not venture into southwest Bay of Bengal adjoining areas of westcentral Bay of Bengal, Gulf of Mannar and along & off Tamil Nadu-Puducherry, South Andhra Pradesh and North Sri Lanka coasts till 1st December.

Flash Flood Warning till 0530 IST, Dec 2

Moderate to High flash flood risk likely over a few watersheds as mentioned below during next 24 hours: Tamil Nadu and Puducherry– Chennai, Tiruvallur, Vellore, Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Puducherry, Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Perambalur and Karaikal districts.

Surface runoff/ Inundation may occur at some fully saturated soils & low-lying areas over Area of Concern (AoC) as shown in map due to expected rainfall during next 24 hours.

Rain/Thunderstorm and Lightning Warning upto 2200 hrs today for Tamil Nadu

Heavy rainfall expected in coastal and Rayalaseema regions of Andhra Pradesh

Heavy rainfall is expected in parts of Andhra Pradesh, including coastal and Rayalaseema regions, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD) that on Sunday issued warnings for continued severe weather in these areas. The storm continues to move westward.

DEC 1 IMD forecast

DEC 2 IMD forecast