Chennai: Chennai and surrounding districts are experiencing heavy rainfall and severe waterlogging as Cyclone Fengal approaches Tamil Nadu. The rains have caused significant disruptions across the city, with streets submerged in water, leading to traffic congestion and discomfort for residents.
In addition to Chennai, the neighboring districts of Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu have also been hit by intense rainfall, causing similar issues. Despite the downpours, public transportation in the city remains operational.
To safeguard against strong winds from the cyclone, Chennai Airport was temporarily shut down from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The closure was a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of flights and airport operations during the storm.
In response to the severe weather, the Tamil Nadu government has declared a closure of schools and colleges in nine districts, including Chennai. This comes as a safety measure to protect students and staff during the storm.
The government has also issued an advisory to fishermen, warning them not to venture into the Bay of Bengal until further notice due to the heightened risk from the cyclone.
As of now, an orange alert is in effect for several districts, including Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Karaikal.
The heavy rain has caused extensive damage to paddy crops in Nagapattinam district, with around 800 acres affected. Meanwhile, schools and colleges in areas such as Chennai, Chengalpattu, and Cuddalore have been shut for safety reasons on Friday, as the region braces for more intense weather in the coming hours.
