Cyclone Fengal will bring heavy rainfall across the northern and delta districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as it makes landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram likely this afternoon.
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Cyclone Fengal – pronounced Feinjal – will cross the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram close to Puducherry with a wind speed of 70-80 km per hour, gusting to 90 kmph, this afternoon, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its latest update.
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The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rain in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore districts of Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. Several coastal areas are already witnessing a change in the weather and high tides.
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Heavy to very heavy rain is expected at isolated places over Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam districts and Karaikal area.
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A red alert has been issued across Tamil Nadu: Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Viluppuram, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore districts, besides Puducherry.
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An orange alert is in place in Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Karaikal districts.
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Schools and colleges will remain closed in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, and Mayiladuthurai districts in Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry today.
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Boats, generators, motor pumps, tree-cutters and other necessary equipment have been kept ready in these districts. The NDRF and state disaster response teams have been deployed in these districts.
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Warning of rough seas and strong winds, authorities have advised fishermen not to venture into the sea and move their boats and other equipment to higher grounds to prevent damage.
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The storm is likely to damage telecommunication lines and lead to flooding in the low-lying areas, Dr S Balachandran, director, Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai told NDTV. The impact will be more along the coastal districts, he has warned.
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In Puducherry, toll-free numbers – 112 and 1077 – have been set up to receive distress calls. People can also seek help on WhatsApp: 9488981070. The government said 4,153 boats have returned to the shore and 2,229 relief camps are ready if needed.
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