Krishnagiri/Puducherry, Dec 2: Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall near Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, has left a trail of destruction despite weakening into a deep depression. Heavy rains and floods continue to batter the region, prompting widespread evacuations and rescue operations.
In Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district, relentless rainfall over the past 14 hours has caused severe flooding, dragging vehicles into low-lying areas. The Uthangiri bus station witnessed dramatic scenes as buses and cars were submerged or swept away by powerful floodwaters.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall alert for districts including Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tirupur, Dindigul, and Salem. An ‘orange’ alert is also in place for parts of Karnataka, with rough weather expected to persist until Tuesday.
Rescue and Relief Efforts Intensify
Rescue operations are in full swing as stranded residents are evacuated. The Indian Army saved an infant trapped in a flooded house, while teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) assisted people in Cuddalore with boats. Volunteers from IIT Madras joined efforts to rescue families trapped by a landslide in Tiruvannamalai district.
In Puducherry’s Krishna Nagar, water levels rose to nearly five feet, leaving 500 homes submerged. Over 100 residents were evacuated by the Indian Army, with operations continuing to assist others.
State Response
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin confirmed the evacuation of over 7,000 people to 147 relief camps across the state. Schools and colleges remain closed to ensure public safety.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant as authorities work tirelessly to manage the crisis.
