Cyclone Fengal live: Several parts of Chennai inundated, vehicles parked on flyovers

Fishing boats docked at the marina shore as Tamil Nadu braces for Cyclone Fengal, at Marina Beach in Chennai (Lakshmi/ANI Photo)

Multiple flights to and from Chennai have been affected and the authorities issued travel advisories for fliers amid the continuing heavy rains.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several parts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry. The region is predicted to experience changes in weather, including high tides and heavy rainfall.

IMD head of Cyclonic division Ananda Das said a red alert has been issued in view of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several parts of Tamil Nadu, south Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and interior Karnataka.

“Mostly coastal districts, with the crossing point between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry, will experience more impact. There will be wind and rainfall. Today, wind speeds reached 50-60 km/h, gusting to 70 km/h. Between 1 pm and 2 pm, there will be extremely heavy rainfall. At many places, there will be scattered heavy to very heavy rainfall,” the director of the regional meteorological centre of Chennai, Dr S Balachandran said.

All schools and colleges will remain closed on Saturday in Puducherry and various districts of Tamil Nadu, including Kanchipuram.

Meanwhile, the Puducherry fisheries department has issued an advisory for fishermen, urging them not to venture into the sea as Cyclone Fengal approaches. The advisory also instructed fishermen to move their boats and equipment to higher ground to prevent damage.

Cyclone Fengal Live Updates: Here are some quick updates

• Cyclone Fengal is expected to make landfall on the coast of Tamil Nadu on Saturday afternoon, the India Meteorological Department said on Friday.
• A red alert has been issued in view of heavy to extremely heavy rainfalls in several parts of Tamil Nadu, South Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and interior Karnataka.
• Coastal districts of North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh will receive heavy rainfall on November 30.
• All schools and educational institutes will remain closed in Puducherry and parts of Tamil Nadu.
• The IMD has also advised the fishermen not to venture into the sea in the districts most likely to be impacted due to Cyclone Fengal.
• The affected areas include Kamashwaram, Virundhamavadi, Pudupalli, Vedrappu, Vanamadevi, Vallapallam, Kallimedu, Eeravayal, and Chemboadi.
• The Department of Revenue and Disaster Management has set up toll-free numbers 112 and 1077 to receive distress calls from the public. People can also seek help through the WhatsApp number 9488981070.
• As of now, a total of 471 people belonging to 164 families have been accommodated in six relief centres in Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts.
• The Indian Navy on Thursday also activated a comprehensive disaster response plan as Cyclone Fengal intensifies in the Bay of Bengal.

Cyclone Fengal: Do’s and Dont’s

• Check the house; secure loose tiles and carry out repairs of doors and windows
• Remove dead branches or dying trees close to the house; anchor removable objects such as lumber piles, loose tin sheets, loose bricks, garbage cans, sign-boards etc. which can fly in strong winds
• Keep some wooden boards ready so that glass windows can be boarded if needed
• Keep a hurricane lantern filled with kerosene, battery-operated torches and enough dry cells
• Demolish condemned buildings
• Keep some extra batteries for transistors
• Keep some dry non-perishable food always ready for use in emergency
• One must remain in the shelter until informed that you can return to your home.
• One must get inoculated against diseases immediately.
• Strictly avoid any loose and dangling wires from lamp posts.
• If you have to drive, do drive carefully.
• Clear debris from your premises immediately.
• Report the correct losses to the appropriate authorities.