As Cyclone Fengal intensifies over the Bay of Bengal and heads onshore near Puducherry, authorities in Tamil Nadu have issued urgent advisories and implemented key safety measures. The approaching storm, which is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds, has led the state government to close schools and colleges in several districts, halt public transport services and ask IT companies to implement work-from-home protocols.

In a bid to protect the safety of students, the Tamil Nadu government has ordered that all schools and colleges in Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram and Chengalpattu districts remain closed on November 30.

The closures come as the region prepares for Cyclone Fengal, which is expected to make landfall in the afternoon, with winds of up to 90 km/h.

No special classes or examinations will be held in these areas, and district collectors of other districts subject to heavy rain alerts are advised to take decisions based on the local situation.

As part of its precautionary measures, the Tamil Nadu government also suspended public transport services on key roads, including East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), on the afternoon of 30 november.

These roads, which pass close to the coastline, will be temporarily closed to mitigate the risks posed by the cyclonic storm, particularly the strong winds and heavy rain that are expected to accompany it.

In addition to these measures, the state has advised IT companies to allow their employees to work from home on November 30. This recommendation aims to reduce the number of people traveling to the office during the peak impact of the storm, ensuring workers stay out of harm’s way. as Cyclone Fengal approaches.

Cyclone Fengal, which intensified into a cyclonic storm on November 29, is expected to make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry around noon.

The storm is expected to bring sustained winds of 70 to 80 km/h, with gusts up to 90 km/h.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts of northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, anticipating heavy to extremely heavy rains during the next few hours.

As part of its preparations, the Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management department has set up 2,229 relief camps across the state, ensuring resources are available for those who may need shelter following the storm.

So far, 471 people belonging to 164 families have already been accommodated in relief centers in Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts. Local authorities have also deployed essential equipment, including motor pumps, generators and boats, to affected areas such as Chennai, Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai, in anticipation of possible flooding.

Besides, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been mobilized to the affected districts to provide assistance.

Due to the cyclone’s strong winds and rough seas, authorities advised fishermen to stay on land. As a precaution, more than 4,100 boats that were at sea have already returned to land to avoid being caught in the path of the storm.

In a bid to mitigate potential dangers caused by strong winds, the Tamil Nadu government has also asked construction companies to secure equipment and machinery that may pose a risk.

Cranes and other machinery are lowered, and billboards and advertising boards are reinforced or removed to prevent accidents caused by falling objects.

Although the impact of the storm will be more severe in coastal areas, the IMD also forecasts heavy rainfall in other parts of the state in the coming days.

On December 1, the influence of the cyclone will bring heavy to very heavy rains to isolated areas of interior Tamil Nadu. The storm is expected to continue to affect the region until December 3, with additional heavy rain warnings in place.

As the situation continues to evolve, Tamil Nadu authorities are closely monitoring the progress of the storm and are in constant communication with district authorities.

Senior authorities have been stationed in key areas to coordinate relief efforts, and the public is urged to stay informed of the latest alerts. Toll-free emergency numbers – 112 and 1077 – have been set up, and a WhatsApp number (9488981070) has been provided for distress calls.