Coimbatore, a city in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is grappling with unprecedented rainfall, marking its most significant cyclonic downpour in 47 years. Meteorologists, citing reports from sources like Asianet News, predict very heavy rainfall to continue throughout the day, potentially leading to significant flooding in various areas before gradually weakening. This exceptional weather event is a direct consequence of Cyclone Fengal, which has left an enduring impact on the region. The last time Coimbatore witnessed such intense cyclonic rains was back in 1977, highlighting the rarity and severity of the current situation.
The impact of Cyclone Fengal extends far beyond Coimbatore. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rain alert for several parts of South India, including North interior Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. This widespread alert underscores the cyclone’s extensive reach and the potential for further disruptions in the coming days. The IMD also anticipates the formation of a low-pressure area off the north Kerala-Karnataka coasts around December 3rd, suggesting the potential for continued heavy rainfall and challenging weather conditions.
The devastation caused by Cyclone Fengal has prompted an urgent appeal from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. He has declared that the cyclone has inflicted unprecedented damage across 14 districts, affecting a staggering 1.5 crore people. The impact on agriculture is particularly alarming, with 2.11 lakh hectares of farmland inundated. Critical infrastructure has also suffered significant damage, highlighting the widespread nature of the disaster.
In response to the crisis, Chief Minister Stalin has urgently requested ₹2,000 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to facilitate immediate restoration and rehabilitation efforts. He has also appealed to the central government to deploy a central team to conduct a comprehensive damage assessment. The state government’s preliminary estimates indicate a need for ₹2,475 crore for temporary restoration alone, demonstrating the immense scale of the challenge ahead.
The state government is actively involved in rescue and relief operations, deploying a dedicated workforce comprising 38,000 government officials and 1,12,000 trained first responders. Despite these significant efforts, Chief Minister Stalin emphasizes that the scale of the disaster surpasses the state’s existing resources, underscoring the critical need for immediate federal support to aid in the recovery process. The situation remains fluid, with continuous monitoring and updates expected from meteorological agencies and state officials as the impact of Cyclone Fengal unfolds across South India.
