Cyclone Fengal to hit Puducherry by evening, schools and colleges closed, bus services suspended
Cyclone Fengal: The impact of Cyclone Fengal has begun to show in coastal areas. According to the Meteorological Department, Cyclone Fengal will reach the coastal regions of Puducherry by this evening. Meanwhile, in Chennai, rainfall has been observed in several coastal areas due to the storm.
The Meteorological Department has stated that Cyclone Fengal will reach the coastal areas of Puducherry by this evening, with wind speeds potentially reaching 90 kilometers per hour. As a result, heavy rainfall is expected in some parts of northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Due to Cyclone Fengal, weather changes are being observed in several coastal areas of Puducherry. Heavy rainfall is occurring, and sea waves have intensified. According to the Meteorological Department, Cyclone Fengal is currently 210 kilometers southeast of Chennai and is moving west-northwest.
The cyclone will cross the coastal areas of northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, advancing toward Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry. Wind speeds may reach 70-80 kilometers per hour on November 30 due to the cyclone.
In light of Cyclone Fengal, the Tamil Nadu government has urged people to stay indoors. Schools and colleges have been ordered to close, and IT companies have been instructed to allow employees to work from home.
The government has suspended transport services today along the old Mahabalipuram and coastal routes. A review meeting was held with top officials regarding Cyclone Fengal.
The Meteorological Department has issued a warning for high sea waves along the coasts of northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh. A red alert has been declared in Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, and Villupuram in Tamil Nadu, while an orange alert has been issued in Kanchipuram, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Chennai due to expected heavy rainfall.
Puducherry
Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry) is a coastal town in southern India, known for its French colonial heritage and vibrant culture. Established as a French settlement in 1674, it remained under French rule until 1954, leaving behind a distinct European charm in its architecture, grid-patterned streets, and French cuisine. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, famous for its serene beaches, the spiritual community of Auroville, and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
Chennai
Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital of Tamil Nadu and one of India’s largest cultural and economic hubs. Founded in 1639 by the British East India Company, it grew around Fort St. George and became a key colonial port. Today, Chennai is renowned for its rich heritage, classical arts, vibrant cuisine, and landmarks like Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and colonial-era architecture.
Karaikal
Karaikal is a coastal town and a district in the Union Territory of Puducherry, India, known for its rich French colonial heritage. It was part of French India until 1954, when it was incorporated into the Indian Union along with Puducherry, Mahé, and Yanam. Today, Karaikal is recognized for its serene beaches, French-influenced architecture, and the revered Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple, dedicated to a revered female saint of Tamil Shaivism.
Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a historic town in Tamil Nadu, India, renowned for its 7th and 8th-century CE Pallava dynasty rock-cut temples and monuments. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it features iconic structures like the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, and intricate bas-reliefs such as “Descent of the Ganges.” Once a bustling port, it reflects India’s ancient maritime trade and Dravidian architectural brilliance.
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu, located in southern India, is a state rich in cultural heritage and history, known for its ancient Dravidian temples, vibrant arts, and classical Tamil literature. It was home to powerful dynasties like the Cholas, Pandyas, and Pallavas, who built iconic landmarks such as the Brihadeeswarar Temple and Meenakshi Temple. Today, Tamil Nadu remains a center of Tamil culture, renowned for its music, dance (Bharatanatyam), and festivals like Pongal.
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is a state in southeastern India, known for its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and vibrant traditions. It was once the center of powerful dynasties like the Satavahanas, Ikshvakus, and Vijayanagara Empire, and is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the ancient Buddhist complex at Amaravati. Today, the state is famous for its Kuchipudi dance, Tirupati Temple, and scenic landscapes along the Bay of Bengal.
Chengalpattu
Chengalpattu, a historic town in Tamil Nadu, India, is known for its strategic importance during British colonial rule and its rich cultural heritage. It was a key military outpost in the 18th century and later became a prominent administrative center. The town is also home to ancient temples, including the famous Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple, reflecting its deep religious significance.
Cuddalore
Cuddalore is a coastal city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, known for its historical significance and natural beauty. It was a major colonial port under British, Dutch, and French rule, with remnants of forts and churches reflecting its colonial past. Today, Cuddalore is also recognized for its industries, temples, and scenic beaches like Silver Beach.
Villupuram
Villupuram is a town in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, known for its historical and religious significance. It has ancient temples like the Viratteswara Temple and served as an important junction during the British colonial era. The town also plays a key role in agriculture and transportation in the region.
Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram, located in Tamil Nadu, India, is an ancient city renowned as the “City of Thousand Temples” and a major center of Hindu pilgrimage. With a history dating back over 2,000 years, it was once the capital of the Pallava dynasty and later flourished under the Cholas and Vijayanagara rulers. The city is famous for its magnificent temples, such as the Kailasanathar and Ekambareswarar temples, as well as its traditional silk sarees.
Ariyalur
Ariyalur is a town in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, known for its rich geological and cultural heritage. It is famous for its limestone deposits and fossil discoveries, dating back millions of years, making it a significant site for paleontological studies. The region also has historical temples, such as the Sri Vekkaliamman Temple, reflecting its cultural and religious importance.
Thanjavur
Thanjavur (also spelled Tanjore) is a historic city in Tamil Nadu, India, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and as the former capital of the Chola Empire. It is most famous for the **Brihadeeswarar Temple**, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1010 CE by King Raja Raja Chola I, showcasing grand Dravidian architecture. The city is also known for its classical arts, including Thanjavur painting, Bharatanatyam dance, and Carnatic music.
Tiruvarur
Tiruvarur is a historic temple town in Tamil Nadu, India, renowned for its ancient Thyagarajaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. With a history dating back over 1,000 years, it is a significant center of Shaivism and Tamil culture, closely associated with the devotional music of the *Thevaram* hymns. The town is also famous for its annual chariot festival and as the birthplace of revered Carnatic music composer Tyagaraja.
Mayiladuthurai
Mayiladuthurai, also known as Mayavaram, is a historic town in Tamil Nadu, India, renowned for its ancient temples and cultural significance. It is home to the famous Mayuranathaswami Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, which dates back over a thousand years and is associated with the legend of the goddess Parvati taking the form of a peacock (mayil) to worship here. The town is also a center for traditional Tamil arts and is located along the Kaveri River, making it an important pilgrimage and cultural site.
Nagapattinam
Nagapattinam is a coastal town in Tamil Nadu, India, known for its rich maritime history and cultural significance. It was a major Chola port and a center of trade with Southeast Asia, as well as a hub for Buddhism and Hinduism. The town is also famous for the Nagore Dargah, a revered Sufi shrine, and its historic temples like the Kayarohanaswami Temple.