Cyclone Fengal Brings Heavy Rainfall and Disruption Across Southern India

 Cyclone Fengal's landfall near Puducherry on November 30 has unleashed relentless rains, prompting widespread disruption in parts of Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. Though it weakened into a “Well Marked Low Pressure Area” on Monday, the storm’s aftermath continues to affect daily life, with schools shut, rescue operations underway, and tragic loss of life reported.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that the remnants of Cyclone Fengal moved westward, weakening into a low-pressure area over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry early Monday. It is expected to emerge over the Arabian Sea off the Kerala-Karnataka coasts by December. Due to heavy rainfall, the Puducherry government announced a holiday for all schools and colleges on December 3.

Similarly, schools and colleges in affected districts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka have been closed as a precaution.Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangaswamy announced ₹5,000 in relief assistance for ration cardholders affected by the cyclone. The region received 48% more rainfall than anticipated, causing severe waterlogging and disruption in Sankaraparani River-adjacent areas, where over 200 homes were submerged.

The Indian Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) led rescue efforts in flood-affected parts of Puducherry, assisting stranded residents in inundated areas.Seven fatalities were reported in Tiruvannamalai district after a boulder dislodged by heavy rains crushed a residence. The victims included an entire family, highlighting the severe impact of the cyclone-induced rains.

Regional Alerts and Rainfall Forecast

MD issued red alerts for Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram on Monday, with additional orange and yellow alerts in central and southern districts.Bengaluru and surrounding regions are forecasted to receive light to moderate rainfall over the next two days. Dakshina Kannada district, under orange alert, has ordered the closure of all educational institutions on December 3. Heavy rains have impacted multiple districts, with schools and colleges closed in Cuddalore, Villupuram, Nilgiris, Kallakurichi, and Krishnagiri.

Authorities across southern India are on high alert, coordinating rescue efforts and issuing timely warnings to mitigate the cyclone's impact. The continued vigilance of local administrations and relief agencies will be critical as the remnants of Cyclone Fengal move westward, potentially affecting coastal areas of Kerala and Karnataka.