As Cyclone Fengal moves closer to the coast, authorities in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are on high alert. The storm is predicted to make landfall on Saturday afternoon, November 30, close to Puducherry. The interior and coastal portions of Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh are expected to see heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, accompanied with wind speeds of 70 to 90 kmph, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

All Puducherry schools and institutions are closed for the day, and district authorities have asked citizens to stay inside. For public assistance, emergency helplines have been established, including toll-free numbers 112 and 1077 as well as a WhatsApp helpline at 9488981070.

In Tamil Nadu, 2,229 relief camps are prepared to house refugees, and up to 4,153 fishing boats have been brought ashore. As of right now, six relief centres in the districts of Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur have received 471 individuals from 164 households. Teams from the National and State Disaster Response Forces, among others, have been sent to districts that are at risk, such as Chennai, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Cuddalore.

The IMD has issued a red alert for Puducherry and Tamil Nadu, warning of extremely heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours. It has also forecasted high wind speeds and rough sea conditions along the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha as the storm progresses inland.

Farmers in the region are bracing for potential crop losses, with paddy and other seasonal crops at risk of flooding. Relief measures, including food and shelter for displaced families, are being prepared by local authorities.

Citizens are encouraged to stay updated through official announcements and avoid spreading rumors or unverified information about the cyclone. Emergency kits, including flashlights, first aid supplies, and non-perishable food items, have been recommended as essentials during this period.