Cyclonic storm Fengal has commenced making landfall close to Puducherry and it may approximately take 4 hours for it to cross the coast completely, an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official said here on Saturday.
Citing data and observations, IMD-Regional Meteorological Centre, Additional Director General, S Balachandran told PTI that the process of the cyclone's landfall commenced at about 5.30 pm on November 30.
On the area of landfall, he said it was close to 'Puducherry area' and that it may take approximately 4 hours for the completion of the landfall process and added that more related information would be made available later.
In an update at 7.35 pm, the IMD said: "Latest observations indicate that the forward sector of spiral bands associated with the cyclone has entered into the land. It is likely to move west-southwestwards and cross north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram close to Puducherry as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph during next 3 to 4 hours."
The union territory administration has sent SMS alerts to around 12 lakh residents cautioning them to remain vigilant in view of the approaching cyclonic storm Fengal.
Chief Minister N Rangasamy visited the rain-affected areas to review the steps taken by the Disaster Management department, especially in accommodating those evacuated from low-lying areas into relief centres.
The chief minister instructed officials to closely monitor the situation and ensure the safety of the residents.
The cyclonic storm over Southwest Bay of Bengal was about 40 km away from the coast, 50 km south-southeast of Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), 60 km east-northeast of Puducherry and 90 km south of Chennai, the IMD added.
Chennai airport has announced suspension of operations till 4 am Sunday following the inundation of runways after heavy rains and the 'adverse weather condition' due to cyclone 'Fengal'.
Over 50 flights have been cancelled, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at airports in Chennai and neighbouring states.
Official sources here said apart from the cancellation of 55 flights, 19 others were diverted after two runways and the taxiway were inundated following heavy rains. The services include both domestic and international flights.
As many as 20 flights were cancelled in Hyderabad as well which were services to and from Chennai and Tirupati.
Heavy rain and gusty winds triggered by the storm preceded the landfall and disrupted flight and train services in Chennai. Several hospitals and houses were also flooded in the capital city.
Chief Minister MK Stalin has warned people to be alert for the next 48 hours. The government has set up over 2000 relief camps.
Educational institutions in nearly 10 districts have been shut.
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