Heavy rain struck several areas in Tamil Nadu after Cyclone Fengal made landfall on November 30. The worst-hit area is Cuddalore, where many homes are underwater and rescue teams are using boats to help people escape. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), led by district collector Balaraman, is busy rescuing those trapped in the floods.
In Chinna Gangankuppam, near the Cuddalore-Puducherry border, disaster teams managed to clear a large tree that had fallen on the national highway using heavy machinery. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Cyclone Fengal landed on the coasts of Puducherry and Tamil Nadu and has remained almost stationary for six hours, about 30 kilometers north of Cuddalore.
As of early morning, the cyclone is about 120 kilometers south-southwest of Chennai. It is expected to slowly move westward and weaken into a deep depression over northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry within the next few hours. The IMD has warned of severe weather, issuing a red alert for northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and nearby parts of Andhra Pradesh.
According to Puducherry’s Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, the Union Territory received 50 centimeters of rain overnight, causing serious flooding in the city. He stated, “We are inspecting the flood-affected areas, and rescue teams are working hard to help those stuck in the water.”
To assist in the rescue, Indian Army troops from the Chennai Garrison were called in early Sunday morning. The troops were requested around 1 a.m., and a team of about 70 soldiers, led by Major Ajay Sangwan, quickly traveled 160 kilometers to reach Puducherry by 5:30 a.m.
Upon arrival, they found the Krishna Nagar area severely flooded, with water levels reaching nearly five feet, leaving around 500 homes stranded. The army began rescue operations at 6:15 a.m. and successfully evacuated over 100 people within the first two hours.
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