Schools shut as Tamil Nadu, Puducherry prepare for Cyclone Fengal’s landfall

As Cyclone Fengal intensifies over the Bay of Bengal and heads towards landfall near Puducherry, Tamil Nadu authorities have issued urgent advisories and implemented key safety measures. The approaching storm, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds, has led the state government to close schools and colleges in several districts, halt public transport services, and request that IT companies implement work-from-home protocols.
In a move to protect the safety of students, the Tamil Nadu government has ordered all schools and colleges in Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu districts to remain closed on November 30.
These closures come as the region prepares for Cyclone Fengal, which is predicted to make landfall in the afternoon, with winds potentially reaching speeds of up to 90 kmph.
No special classes or exams will take place in these areas, and District Collectors in other districts with heavy rainfall alerts are advised to make decisions based on the local situation.
As part of its precautionary measures, the Tamil Nadu government has also suspended public transport services on key roads, including the East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), during the afternoon of November 30.
These routes, which run close to the coastline, will be temporarily closed to mitigate the risks posed by the cyclonic storm, particularly the strong winds and heavy rains 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 commuting to offices during the storm’s peak impact, ensuring that workers are kept out of harm’s way as Cyclone Fengal makes its approach.
Cyclone Fengal, which intensified into a cyclonic storm on November 29, is predicted to make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry around midday.
The storm is expected to bring sustained winds of 70-80 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 90 kmph.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts in north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, anticipating heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the coming 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 that resources are available for those who may need shelter in the wake of the storm.
To date, 471 people from 164 families have already been accommodated in relief centres in Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts. Local authorities have also deployed essential equipment, including motor pumps, generators, and boats, to affected regions such as Chennai, Cuddalore, and Mayiladuthurai, in anticipation of possible flooding.
Additionally, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been mobilised in affected districts to provide assistance.
With the cyclone’s high winds and rough seas, authorities have advised fishermen to remain ashore. As a precautionary measure, over 4,100 boats that had been out at sea have already returned to shore to avoid being caught in the storm’s path.
In an effort to mitigate potential hazards caused by strong winds, the Tamil Nadu government has also instructed construction companies to secure equipment and machinery that could pose a risk.
Cranes and other machinery are being lowered, and billboards and advertisement hoardings are being reinforced or removed to prevent accidents caused by falling objects.
While the storm’s impact will be most severe in coastal areas, the IMD has also forecast heavy rainfall in other parts of the state in the coming days.
On December 1, the cyclone’s influence will bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to isolated areas in interior Tamil Nadu. The storm is expected to continue affecting the region through December 3, with additional heavy rainfall warnings in place.
As the situation continues to unfold, Tamil Nadu authorities are closely monitoring the storm’s progress and are in constant communication with district officials.
Senior authorities have been stationed in key areas to coordinate relief efforts, and the public is being urged to stay updated on the latest advisories. Emergency toll-free numbers-112 and 1077-have been set up, and a WhatsApp number (9488981070) has been provided for distress calls.