Cyclone Fengal brings heavy rainfall, causing flooding in Tamil Nadu

Cyclone Fengal, which hit Puducherry on December 2, has unleashed unprecedented rainfall in Tamil Nadu, including Villupuram, Krishnagiri, and Dharmapuri. Some areas recorded the highest rainfall in 300 years, and the cyclone's slow movement caused prolonged heavy rain, leading to widespread flooding and severe infrastructure damage.

According to weather blogger Pradeep John, known as the Tamil Nadu Weatherman, Villupuram district recorded 51 cm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, exceeding the red alert threshold of 21 cm. Other districts, including Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Uthangarai, and Aroor, also saw significant rainfall, with Uthangarai receiving 50.3 cm and Aroor 33.1 cm. The downpours have inundated the Trichy-Chennai National Highway, forcing authorities to divert traffic to one-way lanes in Vikravandi.

The cyclone has impacted transportation networks. The Chennai-Trichy railway line is flooded, causing suspension of several trains, including the Tejas Express and Vande Bharat. Road traffic in affected areas is disrupted, with vehicles diverted to alternative routes.

Krishnagiri District Collector KM Sarayu urged the public to contact toll-free number 1077 for flood-related assistance. The Tamil Nadu government is coordinating with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other agencies to provide immediate relief to flood-affected individuals.

The floods have disrupted daily life and damaged crops, leaving farmers with reported losses. Visuals from Krishnagiri district showed vehicles swept away by the floodwaters, highlighting the situation’s severity.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin urged residents to follow local authorities' guidance. "We're monitoring the situation and working to provide relief to those affected by the cyclone. I urge residents to exercise caution and follow local authorities' instructions," he said.

The government has set up 147 relief camps for over 7,700 people. Basic necessities like food, water, and medical supplies are being provided. Electricity supply is disrupted in several areas, and the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) is working to restore power.

In flood-damaged Villupuram, over 900 electricity board workers are restoring power. Once floodwaters recede, a damage assessment will be conducted, and compensation will be provided to affected individuals.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Villupuram, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, and Salem, warning of continued heavy rainfall and strong winds. Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

After the storm, NDRF and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been deployed in the affected districts, including Villupuram and Cuddalore, for rescue and relief operations.

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