Indian area gets shattered due to Cyclone Fengal

(MENAFN) Cyclone Fengal has caused widespread destruction in southern India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Puducherry, following its landfall on Saturday. The storm has resulted in heavy rainfall, infrastructure damage, and agricultural losses, with at least twelve confirmed fatalities as of Tuesday. Thousands have been displaced, and 14 districts have been severely affected, with roads and power lines damaged.

The cyclone made landfall near Chennai on November 30, triggering severe flooding, especially in coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The Sankaraparani River overflowed in Puducherry, flooding over 200 homes and leaving residents stranded.

Rescue operations are ongoing, led by the Indian Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), who are using boats to assist with evacuations in flooded areas. In response to the crisis, Puducherry’s Education Minister announced the closure of all schools and colleges, while the region recorded 50cm of rain in just one night, marking the heaviest rainfall in 30 years.

Relief measures include a financial compensation of 5,000 rupees ($59) per affected resident, along with support for farmers whose crops were damaged. The government has also allocated funds for the repair of 50 boats that were damaged. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has requested 20 billion rupees ($230 million) in aid from the National Disaster Response Fund to support recovery efforts. Cyclone Fengal also brought heavy rain to southern Karnataka, causing authorities to close schools and colleges in multiple districts.

MENAFN07122024000045015687ID1108967432