Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy has said that a detailed report was being prepared assessing the extent of damage and will be sent to the Centre seeking relief.

The IMD reports a depression (remnant of Cyclone Fengal) over north coastal Tamil Nadu & Puducherry, moving west-northwest.

Cyclone Fengal is a tropical storm. The National Disaster Management Authority classifies cyclones broadly into two categories: extratropical cyclones and tropical cyclones.

Cyclone Fengal is expected to make landfall on the coast of Tamil Nadu today evening and the India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for various parts of the southern states in view of incessant rainfall.

The Department of Revenue and Disaster Management has set up toll-free numbers 112 and 1077 to receive distress calls from the public. People can also seek help through the WhatsApp number 9488981070.

At present, Cyclone Fengal is located over the southwest Bay of Bengal, moving west-northwestwards at a speed of 10 kmph. The storm’s coordinates are 12.3°N latitude and 80.7°E longitude, approximately 100 km east-northeast of Puducherry and 100 km southeast of Chennai.

Chennai experienced gusty winds and heavy rain on Saturday due to Cyclonic Storm Fengal, causing tree uprooting and waterlogging. Fengal is expected to cross the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast with wind speeds between 70-90 kmph.

The cyclone is expected to bring severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, and disruptions across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Chennai and neighbouring districts continue to experience strong winds and heavy rain as Cyclone Fengal advances towards the Tamil Nadu coast.