Cyclone Fengal: IMD issues red alert for Kerala, heavy rainfall expected in Karnataka

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, December 2, 2024: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for four districts in Kerala on Sunday, December 1, 2024, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall for December 2. Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Kannur are expected to receive over 20 cm of rain within 24 hours, prompting concerns about flooding and landslides in these regions.

The IMD had initially placed Kottayam and Pathanamthitta under an orange alert, but this was later upgraded to red as the weather conditions worsened. The red alert indicates very heavy rainfall, while the orange alert signals heavy rainfall of between 11 cm and 20 cm within the same period. The yellow alert, a less severe warning, indicates rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm.

Authorities take precautionary measures

In light of the weather warnings, the district administrations in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Wayanad declared a holiday for all educational institutions on Monday, December 2. This includes schools, colleges, and anganwadis. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) issued guidelines urging residents, particularly those in landslide-prone areas, to remain vigilant and evacuate if advised. People living along riverbanks and near dams have been instructed to relocate to safer areas as a precaution.

The KSDMA also warned that the heavy rainfall could cause traffic disruptions due to waterlogging on major roads and poor visibility. In addition, the uprooting of trees and flooding in low-lying areas may lead to damage in the power sector.

Cyclone Fengal’s aftermath in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall on the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on November 30, continued to impact the region into December. The IMD reported that the system weakened into a depression by the evening of December 1. It was located about 40 km northwest of Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, and 70 km west-northwest of Puducherry. The depression was moving west-northwestward at a speed of 7 km/h, and it is expected to further weaken into a low-pressure area over north interior Tamil Nadu by the night of December 2.

The IMD added that the depression is likely to emerge over the southeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea by December 3, off the north Kerala-Karnataka coasts. The system remains under constant monitoring by the Doppler Weather Radar at Karaikal.

Puducherry faces record rainfall and flooding

Puducherry experienced one of its highest rainfall levels in recent history. Lieutenant Governor Kailashnathan reported that in the last 24 hours, the region recorded 48.6 cm of rain. "This has been one of the highest rainfalls in Puducherry," he said. "The drainage infrastructure is not capable of draining such a large quantity of downpour in a day. Electric substations have been submerged, and we had to shut down the power supply. A lot of trees have fallen, many on electric lines, and those lines need to be restored. By tonight, all substations will be re-energized."

The heavy rain caused widespread flooding, particularly in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu. As a result, the local authorities have declared a holiday for all government and government-aided schools, private schools, and colleges in Puducherry. A similar holiday has been declared for schools and colleges in several Tamil Nadu districts, including Villupuram, Cuddalore, Vellore, and Ranipet.

In Tamil Nadu, several districts experienced flooding and disruption of normal life due to the heavy rainfall brought by Cyclone Fengal. Local authorities are prioritising public safety, advising residents in vulnerable areas to follow evacuation orders and take necessary precautions.

With more rain expected over the coming days, authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely. Emergency teams have been deployed to address flooding, power outages, and other weather-related challenges. The IMD has also forecasted that the effects of Cyclone Fengal will likely continue to impact the region, including Bengaluru, as the remnants of the system move across southern India.

As the situation evolves, authorities are urging the public to stay informed and follow safety instructions. The IMD and KSDMA continue to issue updates and guidelines to minimise the impact of the storm’s residual effects.