Eye on the storm: How ISRO's satellites are tracking every move of Cyclone Fengal

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Thursday released its study of satellite observations of the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, which is approaching the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu.

ISRO satellites have been tracking the depression since November 23. The polar-orbiting satellite EOS-06 and geostationary satellite INSAT-3DR are regularly providing valuable updates on its status.

The EOS-06 Scatterometer sensor, onboard ISRO's polar satellite, offers insights into ocean winds and their circulation, even before a cyclone forms.

The agency also shared satellite-derived videos showing the intensity and direction of ocean winds. Additionally, ISRO also released images from Bhoonidhi, which provides access to an extensive archive of remote sensing data from 44 satellites. Bhoonidhi is the ISRO's data hub for Earth observation.

The agency stated that these satellite inputs enable better monitoring and mitigation of cyclone threats through early detection.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the deep depression, with wind speeds of 65–75 km/h gusting to 85 km/h over the southwest Bay of Bengal, is likely to continue moving northwestwards. It is expected to cross the northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts, between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, near Puducherry, as a cyclonic storm with wind speeds of 70–80 km/h gusting to 90 km/h on the afternoon of November 30.