Chennai: Three persons were electrocuted in Chennai as heavy rains lashed across coastal Tamil Nadu with Cyclone Fengal making landfall on Saturday night. The cyclone has weakened into a depression and is stationed near Puducherry, the Indian Meteorological Department said in an update early Sunday morning. Chennai airport closed due to bad weather and resumed operations at midnight on Sunday.
"The Cyclonic Storm “FENGAL” over north coastal Tamil Nadu & Puducherry remained practically stationary during past 6 hours and lay centred at 0530 hours IST of today, the 1st December 2024 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 slowly and weaken gradually into a deep depression over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry during the next 6 hours. The system is being continuously monitored by the Doppler Weather Radar at Chennai & Karaikal," IMD said in a post on X on Sunday.
The cyclone claimed three lives in Chennai due to electrocution. Chandhan, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, died after being electrocuted near an ATM in Muthialpet. Similarly, Isaivanan from Ganeshapuram, Vyasarpadi, succumbed to an accident while clearing water from a subway. In Velachery's Vijayanagar, Sakthivel, aged 47, stepped on a live wire dislodged by heavy rain and winds. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced relief for the families of the deceased.
Flight operations at the Chennai International Airport resumed early on Sunday morning after Cyclone Fengal crossed the North Tamil Naducoasts. The airport had temporarily suspended operations on Saturday due to strong winds and heavy rainfall caused by cyclones.
"Based on the meeting with IMD, Airlines, AAI and other stakeholders in view of the revised weather forecast and readiness of the operational area, Chennai Airport will resume operations from 0100 hrs (01.12.2024). We recommend passengers check with their respective airlines regarding their flights," the airport informed through a post on X.
Airlines had issued travel advisories and updated their flight schedules in response to the continuous downpours in Tamil Nadu. Several passengers experienced delays, with many stranded at the airport for 8 to 10 hours due to the sudden cancellation of flights.
Cyclone Fengal, which originated as a depression near Sri Lanka on November 24, caused widespread disruptions and damages across Tamil Nadu before culminating on December 1. Tamil Nadu witnessed torrential rains across various districts since Monday. The continuous downpour led to waterlogging in major cities, including Chennai, and disrupted daily life. The IMD issued red alerts for districts such as Chennai, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, and Villupuram.
Anticipating severe weather conditions, district authorities declared holidays for schools and colleges across multiple districts. Chennai, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu, Mayiladuthurai were among the areas where educational institutions were shut down as a precautionary measure.
The Tamil Nadu government implemented extensive measures to mitigate the cyclone's impact. The State Disaster Management Authority deployed teams to monitor and manage relief operations. Emergency shelters were established, and residents in low-lying areas were evacuated to safer locations. Essential supplies, including food and water, were stocked in anticipation of disruptions. Emergency control centres reported receiving 2,648 complaints, out of which 2,624 were resolved. 3.23 lakh food packets were distributed to residents.
The incessant rains caused widespread waterlogging, particularly in Chennai. Areas such as Velachery, T. Nagar, and West Mambalam were severely affected, with several houses inundated. With Cyclone Fengal beginning to weaken as it moved further inland, the Tamil Nadu CM stated that rehabilitation efforts would be prioritised, focusing on restoring normalcy and providing relief to affected citizens.
Read More:
- Chennai Airport Resumes Operations As Cyclone Fengal Crosses TN, Puducherry Coasts
- Cyclone Fengal Wreaks Havoc: Daily Wager Worker From UP Electrocuted Near ATM In Flooded Chennai
