Cyclone Fengal Highlights: Northern Kerala on red alert; IMD predicts heavy rain today

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, this morning, expressed grief over the destruction caused by Cyclone Fengal in Tamil Nadu, describing the calamity as "devastating."

He extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and urged Congress workers in the state to assist the administration in relief operations wherever possible.

Three relief camps have been opened in Kottayam district to accommodate those affected by the rainfall.

One camp is in Changanassery Taluk, while two are in Kottayam Taluk, housing 71 individuals from 22 families.

Authorities have prohibited fishing along the Kerala coast on December 2 and 3, the southern Karnataka coast on December 2, the Karnataka coast on December 3, and in the Lakshadweep region from December 3 to 5

Educational institutions in several districts, including Kasaragod, Malappuram, Thrissur, and Alappuzha, will remain closed today, with exceptions for pre-scheduled exams and certain events.

Relief measures include the opening of the Pazhassi Reservoir dam shutters in Kannur this morning due to heavy inflow.

Three relief camps have been established in Kottayam, housing 71 people from 22 families.

State Revenue Minister K Rajan has urged vigilance, with five NDRF teams stationed across the state.

Authorities have warned against fishing along the Kerala coast on December 3 and other coastal regions.

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy rainfall in Kerala due to Cyclone Fengal, currently a strong low-pressure system over northern Tamil Nadu.
• The system is expected to intensify as it moves toward the Arabian Sea, crossing northern Kerala and Karnataka by December 3.
• Red alerts have been issued for five northern districts: Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram.
• Orange alerts are in place for Palakkad, Thrissur, Idukki, and Ernakulam districts.
• Yellow alerts have been announced for Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta districts.

• Water levels rose above the danger mark on an arterial bridge between Vikravandi and Mundiyampakkam in Villupuram.
• Southern Railway announced the suspension of train operations on this stretch on Monday morning.
• This led to cancellations, diversions, and short terminations of services, including express and superfast trains.
• Villupuram, a well-connected hub, serves as a key link between Chennai, northern Tamil Nadu, and the central and southern regions of the State.
• The River Thenpennai is in spate, severely affecting the northern coastal town of Cuddalore.
• Agriculture Minister MRK Panneerselvam conducted an inspection of the affected areas.

The Southern Railways has suspended operations near Villupuram after sever waterlogging on the tracks. Meanwhile, neighbouring Puducherry has announced Rs 5,000 relief for the rain-affected individuals

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin visited Marakkanam in Villupuram district to assess the damage caused by Cyclone Fengal.

Stalin's visit was focused on evaluating the cyclone's impact on the region and coordinating relief efforts for the affected communities.

The cyclone has caused significant disruption, and the state government is working to provide support and assistance to those in need.

The Cyclone-Fengal induced weather changes have raised concerns among Maharashrra's farmers, especially in Konkan.

Mango and cashew growers fear damage to their crops, as the rains could affect flowering and growth cycles.

IMD forecasts rain in southern Konkan from December 3 to 6, which could disrupt the region’s agricultural economy.

Apart from Konkan, light showers are also expected in parts of Marathwada and western Maharashtra, including Pune, Solapur, and Sangli.

The cyclone’s intensity likely to reduce in the coming days; residents and farmers urged to stay vigilant and prepare for possible weather disruptions.

Light to moderate showers likely in parts of southern Konkan and Madhya Maharashtra, stated the IMD.

Sindhudurg and Kolhapur districts on yellow alert for December 3.

Heavy rain expected in Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Satara, and Kolhapur on December 4.

Areas like Pune, Solapur, Sangli, and parts of Marathwada, including Dharashiv, Latur, and Nanded, may also experience light rainfall.

Cyclone Fengal is now moving northwest, bringing changes to Maharashtra’s weather.

According to the IMD, light to moderate rain is expected across the state over the next three days, coinciding with a drop in temperatures.

However, due to the cyclone, Maharashtra will likely experience warmer, cloudy weather with rainfall.

IMD has issued a yellow alert for several districts in Konkan and Madhya Maharashtra on December 3 and 4.

• Teams of NDRF personnel commenced clearing the mud over a building in which seven individuals were feared "trapped" in Annamalaiyar Hill area in the district on Monday.
• The teams involved in the operation arrived with rescue dogs. (PTI)

While the remanent of Cyclone Fengal is crossing over Karnataka, there are no holidays for schools and colleges in Bengaluru today.

Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall near Puducherry on November 30, weakened by Sunday but continued to unleash torrential rain, bringing the Union Territory to a standstill. The Army was deployed to rescue people stranded in waterlogged streets. Residents noted that such severe weather had not been experienced in Puducherry for the past three decades.

• Several districts in Tamil Nadu announced holidays for educational institutions due to heavy rainfall caused by Cyclone Fengal.
• Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Krishnagiri districts: Holidays declared for all schools and colleges.Salem, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Tirupatur, Vellore, and Ranipet districts: Holidays declared for schools only on December 2.

• The IMD reported that the depression, a remnant of Cyclonic Storm "Fengal," over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, moved westward.
• It weakened into a Well-Marked Low-Pressure Area at 5:30 a.m. today over North Interior Tamil Nadu.
• The remnant low-pressure area is expected to re-emerge on December 3 over:
• The southeast Arabian Sea.
• The adjoining east-central Arabian Sea near the north Kerala-Karnataka coasts.