The Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority (TNSDMA) has deployed 16 teams&mdash;three in Chennai and 13 in other districts&mdash;to help with the fallout from Cyclone Fengal. According to the India Meteorological Department, the cyclone is expected to make landfall this evening between Karaikal and Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) with wind speeds of 70-80 km/h, gusting up to 90 km/h. It is currently 150km east of Puducherry, in the Bay of Bengal. TNSDMA has established 2,229 relief centres in areas under heavy rain warnings, and authorities have closed off all beaches and parks in Chennai and adjoining districts. Officials say 471 people from 164 families have already been relocated to relief camps in the Thiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has deployed 28,000 workers for rain relief operations and placed 36 boats on standby for emergencies. Chennai's Mayor R. Priya has assured the public that the civic body is fully prepared to handle the cyclone and the accompanying heavy rains. GCC has also isswarnedued a specific warning against standing or parking vehicles under trees during this time. With 12 subways already experiencing waterlogging, the GCC has closed several, including RBI Subway, Sundaram Point, Rangarajapuram, Palavanthangal, and Gengu Reddy, and barred light vehicles from using the Duraiswamy and Madley subways Earlier in the day, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin reviewed the state's preparedness with senior officials, stating that the situation is under control. With Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and other districts continuing to receive heavy rain, district authorities have warned people not to enter water bodies, and to keep children away from waterlogged areas.
&mdash;With agency input.

All flights out of Chennai were suspended due to Cyclone Fengal, leaving passengers stranded (Photo: IANS)

TNSDMA deploys 16 teams, relocates hundreds as Cyclone Fengal nears landfall; Chennai braces for heavy rains with extensive relief operations

Tamil Nadu Gears Up for Cyclone Fengal

TNSDMA deploys 16 teams, relocates hundreds as Cyclone Fengal nears landfall; Chennai braces for heavy rains with extensive relief operations

November 30, 2024 | 17:45 IST