Cyclone Fengal has wreaked havoc across the southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, causing heavy rainfall, widespread flooding, and significant damage to local communities. The storm’s impact has been devastating, with dramatic scenes of vehicles, including cars and buses, being swept away by surging floodwaters. In Uthangarai, Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district, an overflowing lake, swollen by 503 mm of rainfall, swept away parked vehicles near the bus stand, illustrating the immense power of the cyclone’s deluge.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) acted quickly, issuing a red alert for several districts in Kerala. The IMD’s forecast predicts continued heavy rainfall in the state as the cyclone, now a strong low-pressure area over northern Tamil Nadu, moves toward the Arabian Sea. The system is expected to intensify as it travels through northern Kerala and Karnataka by December 3rd, with heavy rain anticipated for Tuesday in the northern and central regions of Kerala.
The IMD’s color-coded alert system highlights the severity of the situation. Five northern Kerala districts – Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram – have been placed under the highest-level red alert. Meanwhile, Palakkad, Thrissur, Idukki, and Ernakulam districts received orange alerts, while Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta have been placed under yellow alerts, signaling varying levels of risk.
In response to the crisis, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced plans to visit the severely impacted districts of Viluppuram and Kallakurichi to assess the damage and assist the affected people. He emphasized his direct communication with Tamil Nadu Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister MRK Panneerselvam, who is actively working in Cuddalore district, another area severely affected by the storm.
Additionally, CM Stalin has appointed DMK MLA Muthuswamy and Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister R Rajendran to oversee rescue operations in the critically affected Krishnagiri district. Stalin reiterated his commitment to recovery efforts, stating, “I am continuously in touch with the Collectors of these districts and monitoring the situation. We will repair the damage caused by the cyclone and restore normalcy as soon as possible.” His proactive leadership is crucial as the region faces the aftermath of Cyclone Fengal, and early reports suggest that the full extent of the damage is yet to be fully assessed. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing recovery efforts to address the challenges ahead.
