- Photo: SNS
BENGALURU, (India): A low-level cyclone that smashed into India's southern coastline killed at least three people but otherwise did not cause widespread damage, officials said.
Cyclone Fengal made landfall late Saturday (Nov 30) with sustained winds of 70-80 kilometres an hour (43-50 miles per hour).
Three people were electrocuted as a result of the storm in Chennai, Tamil Nadu state disaster management minister KKSSR Ramachandran told reporters late Saturday.
But damage from the cyclone was otherwise "minimal", he added.
The Times of India newspaper reported the death toll was four, adding that there was "flooding" and trees falling but "not to the extent feared".
Cyclones -- the equivalent of hurricanes in the North Atlantic or typhoons in the northwestern Pacific -- are a regular and deadly menace in the northern Indian Ocean.
While the storm is expected to gradually weaken into a depression later Sunday, India's weather bureau warned of heavy rains across parts of India's south.
It advised a total suspension of fishing operations and also said there was a "moderate to high flash flood risk" in some areas.
Fengal skirted the coast of Sri Lanka earlier this week, killing at least 12 people including six children.
Scientists have warned that storms are becoming more powerful as the world heats up due to climate change driven by burning fossil fuels.
Warmer ocean surfaces release more water vapour, which provides additional energy for storms, strengthening winds.
A warming atmosphere also allows them to hold more water, boosting rainfall.
But better forecasting and more effective evacuation planning have dramatically reduced death tolls.
Separately, The Statesman reported that The Union Territory of Puducherry was grappling with a flood-like situation after Cyclone Fengal made landfall on its coast at around 7pm on Saturday.
The relentless downpour that accompanied the cyclone has caused severe waterlogging in several areas, leaving buildings and vehicles submerged under floodwaters.
Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Indian Army, have launched large-scale operations to evacuate those stranded in the waterlogged areas.
Boats have been deployed to navigate waterlogged streets, with both people and animals being rescued. In a heartwarming instance, a dog stuck in floodwaters was saved amidst ongoing operations.
The Indian Army swung into action following a formal request from the Puducherry District Collector. Relief operations are being conducted in inundated areas across the union territory.
In neighbouring Tamil Nadu, the impact of Cyclone Fengal is also evident. The NDRF is actively rescuing people stranded in Cuddalore, where heavy rainfall has caused extensive waterlogging.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also inspected flood-hit areas in the Kolathur Assembly constituency to assess the situation.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that the cyclone is moving southwest and is expected to weaken into a deep depression. - AFP, The Statesman
