The deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal, likely to intensify into Cyclone Fengal, is set to make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram on November 30, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. ISRO and IMD are actively monitoring the system, with ISRO satellites EOS-06 and INSAT-3DR providing real-time updates. IMD issued an orange alert for Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, and Cuddalore, and a yellow alert for Chennai, Tiruvallur, and other districts. Heavy rains in the Cauvery delta region have already caused significant crop damage.
Cyclone Forecast and Movement
The depression, currently stationary near the Sri Lanka coast, is predicted to intensify marginally into a cyclonic storm with wind speeds of 65–75 kmph by November 29. It will weaken slightly before crossing the TN-Puducherry coast as a deep depression with wind speeds of 50–60 kmph. Variations in track, intensity, and landfall timing persist among forecast models, with peak intensity predicted between November 29 and 30.
Rainfall and Alerts
Orange Alert: Very heavy rainfall in Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Puducherry.
Yellow Alert: Heavy rainfall in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Nagapattinam, and nearby districts.
Standing crops in 2,000 acres of the Cauvery delta region have been submerged due to incessant rains.
Rescue Operations and Safety Measures
The Indian Coast Guard rescued six fishermen and four workers stranded on a jetty in Cuddalore amid rough seas. NDRF teams are assessing vulnerable areas in Karaikal, ensuring safety measures. Schools and colleges in affected districts remain closed as a precaution.
Cyclone Monitoring and Preparedness
ISRO’s Contribution: EOS-06 detected wind patterns early, while INSAT-3DR provides geostationary updates.
Indian Navy: Activated disaster response plans, ready to assist in emergencies.
Fishing Advisories: Coastal areas warned; boats instructed to return to harbors.
Cyclone Context and Historical Link
Cyclone Fengal, following Dana, marks the third storm of the 2024 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. While intensification has been lower due to wind shear and system weakening, its impacts align with previous cyclonic patterns in the region, underlining the importance of coordinated disaster preparedness.
Summery of the news
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in News | Deep depression over the Bay of Bengal likely to intensify into Cyclone Fengal; landfall near Karaikal-Mahabalipuram on Nov 30 with wind speeds of 50–60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph; heavy rains expected in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. |
| Cyclone Name | Fengal (to be assigned upon intensification into a cyclone). |
| Landfall Location | Between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. |
| Predicted Wind Speed | 50–60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph during landfall. |
| Affected Areas (India) | Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, and coastal districts like Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore. |
| Rainfall Alerts | Orange alert: Very heavy rainfall; Yellow alert: Heavy rainfall for Chennai and surrounding districts. |
| Monitoring Agency | ISRO (using EOS-06 and INSAT-3DR satellites); IMD (regional weather office in Chennai). |
| Operation and Rescue | Indian Coast Guard evacuated 6 fishermen and 4 workers stranded in Cuddalore. |
| Disaster Response Teams | NDRF teams deployed for risk assessment in vulnerable areas. |
| Schools Closed | Schools and colleges shut in affected districts like Chennai, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Cuddalore. |
| Static Points: Tamil Nadu | Capital: Chennai; CM: M.K. Stalin; Governor: R.N. Ravi. |
| Static Points: Puducherry | Capital: Puducherry; CM: N. Rangasamy; Lt. Governor: Tamilisai Soundararajan. |
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