Cyclone Fengal, a severe tropical storm, made landfall on November 30, 2024, affecting parts of southern India and Sri Lanka. The cyclone brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and significant flooding, leading to loss of life and property.
Impact of Cyclone Fengal
The cyclone’s effects were particularly severe in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, India, as well as in Sri Lanka.
- Casualties and Displacement:
- In Sri Lanka, 16 fatalities were reported, with heavy rains affecting nearly 139,000 families.
- In India, at least three deaths were reported due to the cyclone.
- Flooding and Infrastructure Damage:
- Puducherry experienced unprecedented rainfall, leading to severe flooding that paralyzed daily life.
- Several districts in Kerala were placed on red alert due to heavy rainfall forecasts, resulting in the closure of educational institutions.
Response and Relief Efforts
Authorities in the affected regions initiated various measures to mitigate the cyclone’s impact:
- Evacuations:
- Thousands of residents in low-lying areas were evacuated to safer locations ahead of the cyclone’s landfall.
- Emergency Services:
- Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in India, were deployed to assist in relief operations.
- Restoration Work:
- Efforts to restore power, clear roads, and provide essential supplies are ongoing in the cyclone-affected areas.
Current Status and Weather Forecast
As of December 25, 2024, Cyclone Fengal has dissipated, and normalcy is gradually returning to the affected regions.
Weather Forecast for Key Affected Areas:
- Kolkata, India:
Currently 73° · Partly sunny
Kolkata, India
 Today | 78°62° | Nice with clouds and sunshine |
 Thursday | 82°60° | Nice with plenty of sunshine |
 Friday | 81°57° | Hazy |
| Saturday | 81°58° | Mostly sunny and nice |
| Sunday | 80°60° | Mostly sunny and nice |
| Monday | 79°57° | Nice with plenty of sun |
| Tuesday | 74°51° | Plenty of sun |
- Bhubaneswar, India:
Currently 72° · Hazy sunshine
Bhubaneswar, India
| Today | 77°64° | Hazy sun |
| Thursday | 83°60° | Partly sunny and nice |
| Friday | 88°60° | Hazy sunshine |
| Saturday | 89°63° | Very warm with sunshine and a few clouds |
| Sunday | 87°61° | Sunny and nice |
| Monday | 84°58° | Sunny and delightful |
| Tuesday | 87°53° | Hazy sunshine and less humid |
- Dhaka, Bangladesh:
Currently 74° · Sunny
Dhaka, Bangladesh
| Today | 82°58° | Sunshine and nice |
| Thursday | 84°56° | Plenty of sun |
| Friday | 82°55° | Hazy |
| Saturday | 83°58° | Mostly sunny |
| Sunday | 82°59° | Partly sunny with a shower in spots |
| Monday | 76°57° | Pleasant with plenty of sunshine |
| Tuesday | 82°57° | Hazy |
FAQs
Q: What was the origin of Cyclone Fengal?
Ans: Cyclone Fengal originated in the Bay of Bengal and intensified as it approached the eastern coast of India and Sri Lanka.
Q: Which areas were most affected by Cyclone Fengal?
Ans: The cyclone significantly impacted Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in India, as well as parts of Sri Lanka.
Q: What measures were taken to prepare for Cyclone Fengal?
Ans: Authorities issued weather alerts, evacuated residents from vulnerable areas, and deployed emergency response teams to mitigate the cyclone’s impact.
Q: How can individuals contribute to relief efforts?
Ans: Individuals can contribute by donating to recognized disaster relief organizations and participating in community support initiatives.
Q: Where can I find more information about Cyclone Fengal?
Ans: For detailed information, refer to official meteorological department reports and trusted news sources.
Conclusion
Cyclone Fengal caused significant disruption and hardship in the affected regions. The coordinated efforts of authorities and communities have been instrumental in managing the crisis and initiating recovery. Continued support and vigilance are essential to fully restore normalcy and enhance preparedness for future events.
For a visual overview of the cyclone’s impact in Puducherry, you may find the following news segment informative:
