Schools and colleges across southern India have been closed, and hundreds of people moved to storm shelters as Cyclone Fengal is set to make landfall in Tamil Nadu later today. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that the cyclone will make landfall along Tamil Nadu’s coastline in the afternoon, bringing sustained winds of 70-80 km/h and heavy rainfall.
The storm poses a significant threat to low-lying coastal regions, with one-meter surging waves predicted. Fishing crews have been urged to remain ashore, and residents in vulnerable areas are being relocated to relief camps. Authorities in Tamil Nadu have undertaken extensive preparations to mitigate the cyclone’s impact. Relief shelters have been set up in affected districts, and at least 471 people have been evacuated to safer locations, according to The Economic Times. Schools in vulnerable districts were closed as a precautionary measure, and emergency services are on high alert to respond to potential flooding, landslides, and damage to infrastructure.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed teams equipped with rescue boats, medical supplies, and essential equipment. “Our priority is to ensure zero loss of life and minimize disruptions,” an NDRF official said in a statement.
The coastal districts of Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, and Pudukottai are expected to face the brunt of the cyclone. The IMD has issued a red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in these areas. Authorities are also closely monitoring dams and reservoirs to manage potential overflow caused by the intense rains.
Cyclone Fengal, which originated in the Bay of Bengal earlier this week, has already left a trail of destruction in Sri Lanka. The storm skirted the island nation, causing severe flooding and claiming the lives of at least 12 people, including six children. Dozens of homes were destroyed, and roads submerged in water, prompting emergency evacuations in affected regions.
The Tamil Nadu government is working in collaboration with the IMD to track the cyclone’s movements and issue timely updates to the public. Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal are a seasonal phenomenon, typically occurring during the monsoon withdrawal and onset of the northeast monsoon. However, experts warn that climate change is amplifying the intensity and frequency of these storms.
Scientists explain that rising global temperatures, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, are making cyclones more destructive. Warmer ocean surfaces release greater amounts of water vapor, fueling storms with additional energy and increasing their wind speeds.
Additionally, a warming atmosphere can hold more moisture, leading to intense rainfall during cyclones. “This double impact of stronger winds and heavier rainfall significantly raises the risk of flooding and storm surges,” said Dr. S. Ramesh, a climate scientist based in Chennai.
While cyclones remain a deadly menace, improved forecasting and evacuation measures have significantly reduced the human toll in recent years.
India’s IMD has made significant strides in cyclone tracking and early warning systems. Modern satellite technology provides real-time updates, enabling authorities to predict landfall locations and severity with greater accuracy.
“Forty years ago, we lacked the tools to issue timely warnings,” said an IMD official. “Today, we can give people several days to prepare, and that makes all the difference.”
Coastal states like Tamil Nadu and Odisha have invested heavily in building cyclone shelters, conducting drills, and training local communities in disaster response.
In 2019, for instance, Cyclone Fani, a Category 5 storm, caused massive destruction but resulted in fewer than 100 fatalities due to the government’s proactive evacuation of over 1.2 million people. “The lessons from past disasters have strengthened our disaster management systems,” said a state official.
Despite better preparedness, cyclones still cause significant economic losses and disrupt livelihoods. Tamil Nadu’s coastal communities, many of whom depend on fishing and agriculture, are particularly vulnerable.
Fishing bans ahead of cyclones are critical for safety but come at a cost to fishermen. “We’ve been grounded for days now, and the catch we lose during this period impacts our earnings,” said Sekar, a fisherman from Nagapattinam.
Farmers in the region also fear damage to standing crops like paddy and sugarcane. Excess rainfall and waterlogging during harvest season could lead to substantial losses.
In urban areas, waterlogging and power outages are common during cyclones. Chennai, for example, has experienced recurring issues with drainage systems unable to cope with heavy rainfall. The government has pledged to expedite stormwater drainage projects, but implementation remains slow.
India has often shared its expertise in disaster management with neighboring countries, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. During Cyclone Amphan in 2020, India offered satellite data and logistical support to Bangladesh, helping mitigate its impact.
In the case of Cyclone Fengal, Sri Lanka has requested assistance to rebuild affected areas. Indian relief teams are on standby to provide food, medical aid, and temporary shelters.
Cyclone Fengal is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change. The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has repeatedly warned that global warming will exacerbate extreme weather events.
India, as one of the world’s largest carbon emitters, has pledged to transition to renewable energy sources and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. While progress has been made in solar and wind energy production, experts argue that more aggressive policies are needed to curb emissions and protect vulnerable communities.
Local organizations in Tamil Nadu are working to raise awareness about climate resilience. Projects focused on mangrove restoration, for instance, aim to create natural barriers against storm surges. “Nature-based solutions can complement our technological advancements,” said Anjali Kumaran, an environmental activist. “But we need to act now, before it’s too late.”
