Cyclone Fengal: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that a deep depression formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal could soon intensify into Cyclone Fengal. It is expected to make landfall on the northern coasts of Tamil Nadu-Puducherry, particularly between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, by the morning of November 30.
The weather department states that as the cyclone hits the coast, winds will gust at 50-60 km/h, potentially reaching up to 70 km/h. Currently, the cyclone is located near Trincomalee and is moving north-northwest, crossing Sri Lanka’s coastline.
In anticipation of the cyclone, schools and colleges in Puducherry have been closed due to forecasts of heavy rainfall. Low-lying areas face flooding risks. The Chief Minister of Puducherry has issued directives to officials, urging them to relocate people to relief camps and safer zones. A 24-hour control room has also been set up.
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai has predicted varying intensities of rainfall across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely in districts including Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Puducherry. Additionally, isolated heavy rainfall may occur in districts like Chennai and Tiruvallur.
Disruptions have already begun in the region ahead of the cyclone. Intermittent rains have affected Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery Delta areas, damaging the agricultural sector. Approximately 200 acres of paddy fields have been submerged. Heavy rains have also flooded vast salt pans in Nagapattinam and Villupuram.
Reports of damage are emerging from various locations due to the downpour. An old house collapsed in Tarangampadi, while a tank wall collapsed in Jambuvanodai, Tiruvarur district. Uprooted trees have damaged electricity poles, causing power outages in multiple areas.
Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), established in 1875, is the national meteorological service of India and one of the oldest weather agencies in the world. It provides weather forecasts, monitors monsoons, and issues warnings for cyclones and other severe weather events. Headquartered in New Delhi, the IMD plays a crucial role in agriculture, disaster management, and climate research across India.
Bay of Bengal
The **Bay of Bengal** is the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean, bordered by India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. Historically, it has been a vital maritime trade route for centuries, linking South and Southeast Asia, and played a key role in the spread of Buddhism, Hinduism, and later European colonialism. Today, it remains an important region for fishing, commerce, and biodiversity, though it faces environmental challenges like cyclones and rising sea levels.
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu, located in southern India, is a state renowned for its rich Dravidian culture, ancient temples, and vibrant traditions. 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 is a hub of Tamil language, classical arts like Bharatanatyam, and a thriving film industry (Kollywood).
Puducherry
Puducherry (also known as Pondicherry) is a coastal union territory in southern India, renowned for its French colonial heritage and tranquil beaches. Established as a French settlement in 1674, it remained under French rule until 1954, leaving behind a distinct blend of Indian and French culture, architecture, and cuisine. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, famous for its seaside promenade, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and the experimental township of Auroville.
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 transferred to the Indian Union, retaining distinct cultural and architectural influences from its colonial past. The town is also famous for its temples, such as the Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple, and its vibrant fishing industry along the Bay of Bengal.
Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a historic coastal town in Tamil Nadu, India, renowned for its 7th- and 8th-century CE Pallava dynasty rock-cut temples and monolithic sculptures. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it features iconic structures like the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, and the Five Rathas, showcasing early Dravidian architecture. Once a bustling port, its legends speak of seven pagodas, though only one remains visible today.
Trincomalee
Trincomalee is a historic port city on Sri Lanka’s northeastern coast, renowned for its natural deep-water harbor and scenic beaches. It has a rich history, having been ruled by the Chola dynasty, Portuguese, Dutch, and British, and is home to the sacred Koneswaram Temple, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site dating back over 2,000 years. Today, Trincomalee is a key naval and tourist destination, blending cultural heritage with coastal beauty.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an island nation in South Asia known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and ancient Buddhist sites. Historically called “Ceylon,” it boasts UNESCO World Heritage sites like the sacred city of Anuradhapura, the rock fortress of Sigiriya, and the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. The country’s diverse history includes early Sinhalese kingdoms, colonial rule by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, and a vibrant mix of traditions that shape its modern identity.
Regional Meteorological Centre
The **Regional Meteorological Centre** is a facility responsible for monitoring and forecasting weather conditions within a specific region. These centers collect data from satellites, radars, and weather stations to provide accurate forecasts and warnings for severe weather events. Historically, such centers have evolved with advancements in technology, improving their ability to predict and mitigate weather-related risks.
Chennai
Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital of Tamil Nadu and one of India’s largest cultural and economic hubs. Established 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.
Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram, located in Tamil Nadu, India, is an ancient city known 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. Renowned for its magnificent Dravidian-style temples, such as the Kailasanathar and Ekambareswarar temples, Kanchipuram is also famous for its handwoven silk sarees.
Chengalpattu
Chengalpattu, a historic town in Tamil Nadu, India, is known for its rich cultural heritage and strategic importance during British colonial rule. It was formerly called “Chingleput” and served as a key military and administrative center in the 18th–19th centuries. The town is also home to ancient temples, including the famous **Kachapeshwarar Temple**, reflecting its long-standing religious significance.
Villupuram
Villupuram is a town in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, known for its historical and cultural significance. It served as an important junction during the British colonial era and is home to several ancient temples, including the Thiruvakkarai Vakkara Kali Amman Temple. The town also acts as a gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gingee Fort, located nearby.
Cuddalore
Cuddalore is a coastal city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, known for its historical significance and natural beauty. It was an important port during British colonial rule and played a role in trade and military conflicts, including the Carnatic Wars. Today, the city is recognized for its temples, beaches, and industrial development, blending heritage with modernity.
Tiruvallur
Tiruvallur is a historic town in Tamil Nadu, India, renowned for its ancient Sri Vaidhya Veeraraghava Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple, believed to date back over a thousand years, is associated with the legendary sage Valmiki and attracts pilgrims for its religious significance. The town also played a role in regional history under various South Indian dynasties, including the Cholas and Vijayanagara rulers.
Cauvery Delta
The Cauvery Delta, located in Tamil Nadu, India, is a fertile region formed by the Cauvery River, known as the “Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu” for its extensive paddy fields. Historically, it was the heartland of the Chola dynasty (9th–13th centuries), which developed advanced irrigation systems like the Grand Anicut, still in use today. The delta remains agriculturally vital but faces modern challenges like water disputes and climate change.
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 later became an important trading hub for European colonial powers, including the Portuguese and Dutch. Today, it is renowned for the Nagore Dargah, a prominent Islamic shrine, and its connection to Buddhism, as it was once home to a thriving Buddhist center under the Cholas.
Tarangampadi
Tarangampadi, also known as Tranquebar, is a historic coastal town in Tamil Nadu, India, founded by the Danish East India Company in 1620. It was Denmark’s first colony in India and is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, including the 17th-century Dansborg Fort and the first Protestant church in India, the New Jerusalem Church. The town’s rich cultural heritage reflects a blend of Danish and Tamil influences.
Jambuvanodai
Jambuvanodai is an ancient archaeological site in Sri Lanka, believed to date back to the early historic period (around 3rd century BCE to 1st century CE). It is associated with early Buddhist monastic settlements and contains ruins of stupas, monastic cells, and other structures. The site reflects the spread of Buddhism and the influence of early Anuradhapura-period civilization in the region.
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 one of the 274 Paadal Petra Sthalams (holy shrines revered in Tamil Shaiva literature). The town is also significant as a cultural hub, especially for Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam, being the birthplace of renowned composers like Tyagaraja and Muthuswami Dikshitar.
