Cyclone Fengal 2024: Impacts, Preparedness, and Lessons for Coastal Resilience
Updated on : 30 November, 2024
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Table Of Contents
Cyclone Fengal, a significant weather event in late November 2024, has garnered attention due to its potential impact on the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. This blog explores the cyclone's formation, trajectory, expected impacts, and the response from authorities.
Formation and Intensification
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Cyclone Fengal originated as a deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal. On November 29, 2024, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed its intensification into a cyclonic storm. At that time, Fengal was located approximately 350 km southeast of Puducherry and was expected to move northwest towards the Tamil Nadu coast. The storm's wind speeds were projected to reach between 70-80 km/h, with gusts potentially hitting 90-100 km/h during landfall.
Predicted Path and Landfall
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The IMD forecasted that Cyclone Fengal would make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry on November 30, 2024. As it approached the coast, heavy rainfall and strong winds were anticipated across several districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The cyclone's trajectory indicated that it would move west-northwestward, bringing with it a risk of flooding and damage to infrastructure in coastal areas.
Impact on Coastal Regions
Image Source: Impact on Coastal Regions
As Cyclone Fengal approached land, weather conditions began to deteriorate significantly. Heavy rains started lashing Chennai and surrounding areas early on November 30, leading to waterlogging in numerous locations. Reports indicated that over 134 areas in Chennai experienced flooding, prompting authorities to close schools and colleges as a precautionary measure68. Public transport was also suspended in several regions to ensure safety during the storm's peak.
Rainfall Estimates
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The IMD issued red alerts for various districts in Tamil Nadu, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Areas such as Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, and Puducherry were particularly at risk of severe weather conditions. Rainfall amounts were expected to exceed 20 cm in some locations, exacerbating the risk of flash floods and landslides.
Emergency Preparedness
In anticipation of Cyclone Fengal's impact, authorities established over 2,200 relief centers across affected regions. Emergency services were mobilized, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed to assist local agencies in managing potential disasters. The Tamil Nadu government took proactive measures by advising fishermen not to venture into the sea and urging residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate if necessary
Government Response
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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin reviewed the state's preparedness efforts at the Disaster Management Control Room in Chennai. He emphasized the importance of timely communication and coordination among various departments to mitigate the cyclone's effects on communities78. The government also provided toll-free numbers for distress calls and set up control rooms for real-time updates during the cyclone.
Aftermath and Recovery Efforts
As Cyclone Fengal made landfall on November 30 afternoon, its effects were felt across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Post-landfall assessments indicated significant rainfall accumulation and localized flooding. The IMD continued to monitor the cyclone's progression as it weakened into a depression after crossing the coast but still posed risks due to residual rainfall in inland areas.
Long-term Considerations
The impact of Cyclone Fengal serves as a reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of cyclonic storms in the region due to climate change. As weather patterns shift, coastal communities must adapt through enhanced preparedness measures, improved infrastructure resilience, and effective disaster response strategies.
Conclusion
Cyclone Fengal highlights the critical need for robust disaster management frameworks in vulnerable coastal regions. While immediate responses can mitigate some impacts of such storms, long-term strategies are essential for building resilience against future cyclonic events. As communities recover from this storm, ongoing efforts will be necessary to ensure their safety and preparedness for similar challenges ahead.
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