On the night of November 30th, 2024, Cyclone Fengal unleashed its fury on the northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts, making landfall between 10:30 pm and 11:30 pm IST. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported strong winds reaching speeds of 70 to 80 km/h, gusting up to 90 km/h. The storm’s westward trajectory triggered urgent warnings as it was predicted to weaken into a deep depression within hours, but its immediate impact proved far-reaching and severe.
Devastating Impact Across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry:
The cyclone’s wrath disrupted daily life across both regions. Heavy rains and ferocious winds battered the landscape, toppling power lines and uprooting trees. Road and air travel came to a screeching halt. In Puducherry, proactive measures were immediately implemented. Local authorities, led by District Collector A. Kulothungan, mobilized over 4,000 officials to establish relief camps for displaced residents, particularly those in vulnerable areas like Kalpakkam in Chengalpattu district. The IMD’s urgent plea for residents to remain indoors, heed evacuation orders, and follow safety protocols echoed across the affected areas as relief efforts swung into high gear.
Chennai International Airport: A Hub of Chaos:
The brunt of Cyclone Fengal’s impact was felt acutely at Chennai’s International Airport, where the storm wreaked havoc on flight schedules. A staggering 55 flights were canceled, and 19 others were diverted. Both domestic and international routes suffered severely, with at least 12 flights experiencing significant delays earlier in the day. The disruption left over 10,000 passengers stranded, as airport operations were suspended due to the cyclone’s intense fury. While flight operations resumed Sunday morning, the ordeal left a bitter taste for many. Shiva, a traveler bound for Abu Dhabi, recounted his experience of waiting at the airport since 8 pm the previous night without food, water, or adequate communication from the airline – a scenario echoed by countless others caught in the airport’s chaotic aftermath.
Chennai’s Infrastructure Crumbles Under the Strain:
Beyond the airport, Chennai’s infrastructure faced a severe battering. Torrential rains caused widespread flooding, submerging hospitals and homes alike. Streets transformed into raging rivers, forcing residents to seek refuge by parking vehicles on flyovers and underpasses to escape the rising waters. The scenes evoked chilling memories of the devastating 2015 floods, igniting fears and frustrations among the city’s residents. The already overwhelmed hospitals struggled further, their flood-damaged premises hindering their ability to provide essential care. The healthcare system in the region bore the strain, fighting to deliver critical services amid the rising floodwaters.
Global Ripple Effects on the Travel Industry:
The consequences of Cyclone Fengal extended far beyond Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, creating a ripple effect across the global travel industry. International airlines grappled with not only flight cancellations and diversions into Chennai, but also disruptions to connecting flights worldwide. Passengers planning to transit through Chennai faced diversions to nearby airports or endured extensive delays as the region battled to recover. The immediate impact of 55 canceled flights and countless delays will likely continue to reverberate through the airline industry for weeks to come. This event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather patterns and the vulnerability of travel routes in cyclone-prone regions, underscoring the growing need for robust resilience within the travel industry against the increasingly frequent impacts of climate change.
Looking Ahead: A Cautious Outlook for Travelers:
For travelers with plans to visit or transit through Chennai, Cyclone Fengal’s impact necessitates careful planning and monitoring. Staying updated on flight information from airlines and weather reports from the IMD is crucial. Tourists planning trips to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the near future should exercise caution, as recovery efforts will undoubtedly take time. Travel insurance and contingency planning for weather-related disruptions are now more critical than ever. While authorities work tirelessly to restore normalcy, the lasting effects of Cyclone Fengal on both air and ground infrastructure will inevitably leave a lasting mark on the global travel landscape.
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