Photos: Tamil Nadu braces for Cyclone Fengal's impact

Educational institutions across Chennai, Chengalpet, Kancheepuram districts, along with schools and colleges in Tiruvallur district, will remain closed on Wednesday due to an approaching depression in the Bay of Bengal. The weather system is expected to strengthen into a cyclonic storm, which Saudi Arabia has named Fengal (pronounced Feinjal).


The coastal regions are expected to experience continued rainfall as the system develops. According to forecasts, the system will move parallel to Tamil Nadu's coastline until November 29, maintaining a distance of 150km to 200km from the shore. Coastal areas will experience surface winds ranging from 40kmph to 50kmph on Wednesday and Thursday.


The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings about persistent heavy to very heavy rainfall across multiple districts. Extremely heavy precipitation is predicted for Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai regions. Additionally, isolated areas in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Pudukkottai districts are likely to experience heavy to very heavy downpours. As the cyclone intensifies and approaches the coastline, localised flooding and disruptions to daily life are expected.


Heavy rainfall persisted on Wednesday across Tamil Nadu's Cauvery delta regions, causing damage to standing paddy crops, prompting opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami to call upon the state government to extend suitable compensation to affected farmers.


Standing crops faced partial and complete submergence in numerous locations, including Tiruvarur, Thiruthuraipoondi, Muthupettai, Mayiladuthurai, and Vedaranyam. According to preliminary assessments by farmers, the adverse weather conditions have impacted crops spanning approximately 2,000 acres.


Rain-related incidents have been reported, including the collapse of an old house in Tarangampadi and the wall of a Dharga's tank in Jambuvanodai, Tiruvarur district. Trees were uprooted, with some falling on nearby electricity poles, causing power outages. Many localities were also inundated.