Public transport suspended, red warning issued

Cyclone Fengal, a slow-moving weather system that has gained momentum recently, is expected to make landfall near Chennai on the afternoon of Saturday, November 30, according to the Regional Meteorological Center (RMC), Chennai. A red alert has been announced in eight districts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Kallakurichi and Mayiladuthurai, where heavy to very heavy rain is expected on Saturday. Areas inside the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) recorded 12.62 mm between 7 and 9 am on Saturday morning.

• In anticipation of the impact of the cyclone, the Tamil Nadu government declared a public holiday for all schools and colleges in these districts. Schools and colleges have been closed and fishermen have been asked to stay at home as the cyclone is expected to pass near Puducherry.

• The weather service issued warnings about high tides and rough seas. Fishermen are advised to avoid venturing into the sea.

• The Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management Department has set up 2,229 relief centers in areas under heavy rain warnings. Currently, 471 people belonging to 164 families have been shifted to relief camps located in Thiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts. The company deployed 28,000 workers to combat the rain, with 10 additional workers assigned to each of 200 neighborhoods to handle rain-related complaints.

• With heavy rain and gusty winds forecast, Chennai International Airport canceled 18 flights to and from the city.

• Public transport services on East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) will be temporarily suspended from Saturday afternoon.

• The Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority (TNDMA) has advised people to avoid visiting beaches, amusement parks and recreational events.