Cyclone Fengal Hits Chennai with Heavy Rains and Flash Flood Warnings
With the landfall of Cyclone Fengal, rain in Chennai and its adjoining areas has been incessant, causing severe disruption in everyday life. The India Meteorological Department issued a flash flood warning for the regions affected, appealing to people to exercise caution. Here are the latest updates of the situation:
Impact on Chennai and Nearby Areas
Torrential rains battered the city due to Cyclone Fengal that:
- Disrupted transport services: The roads and railways were flooded, and many people were stranded.
- Forced evacuation: The authorities shifted people living in low-lying areas to safe shelters.
- Closed airport operations: Chennai Airport suspended flights temporarily because visibility was poor, and the runways were waterlogged.
- Flooding of Hospitals: Two government-run hospitals in Chromepet - a general hospital and one for thoracic medicine - were flooded with waters entering up to ankle length. Both patients and staff faced severe inconvenience. Sandbags are placed at the entry point of the hospitals. Actions to tackle the situation were going on.
IMD Flash Flood Risk Zones
The IMD has identified several places prone to flash floods in the next 24 hours. These are:
- Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam: Prakasam and Nellore districts
- Rayalaseema: Chittoor and Kadapa districts
- South Interior Karnataka: Chamarajanagar, Kolar, and Ramnagar districts
- Tamil Nadu & Puducherry:
- Districts: Chennai, Cuddalore, Dharampuri, Erode, Kanchipuram, Namakkal, Salem, Tiruchirappalli, Vellore, and others - Puducherry region: Low-lying areas face the risk of localized flooding.
Potential Impact on Affected Areas
The IMD pointed out that owing to saturated soils, heavy surface runoff, and inundation in low-lying areas, there is a possibility of localized flooding. The residents are advised to: - Avoid unnecessary travel in flood-prone areas.
- Evacuate immediately if ordered to do so.
- Monitor the latest weather bulletins.
Community Efforts and Response
The authorities are on high alert and have deployed disaster management teams to assist in evacuations and water drainage. Restoration of hospital functionality and reopening of transportation networks is also in the works.
Stay Safe
The IMD and local governments continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring timely updates for residents. Cyclone Fengal's impact serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and community support during natural calamities.
For real-time updates and safety instructions, follow IMD’s official alerts and local news channels.
Stay safe, and ensure you’re prepared for any emergencies.