Puducherry Residents Urged To Stay Indoors As Cyclone Fengal Closes In For Landfall

Authorities in Puducherry have urged residents to remain indoors due to the impending cyclonic storm Fengal, expected to hit near Puducherry on Saturday afternoon. Schools and colleges will be closed on that day. The India Meteorological Department reported that the storm could bring winds reaching 90 kmph.

Photo Credit: PTI

District Collector A. Kulothungan has been actively engaging with officials from various departments, including PWD, local administration, and police, to assess the situation. The Department of Revenue and Disaster Management has established toll-free numbers 112 and 1077 for public distress calls. Assistance is also available via WhatsApp at 9488981070.

Preparedness Measures and Relief Efforts

In response to the advisory, 4,153 boats have safely returned to shore. Additionally, 2,229 relief camps are prepared for potential use, according to the state government. Currently, 471 individuals from 164 families are sheltered in six relief centres across Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts.

Essential equipment such as boats, generators, and motor pumps are ready across districts. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state teams have been deployed in areas like Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Chengelpet, and Chennai.

Coordination Among District Authorities

Senior officials have been tasked with overseeing and coordinating efforts with district authorities. They are stationed in their respective districts to ensure effective management of the situation.

The comprehensive measures taken by the authorities aim to mitigate the impact of Cyclone Fengal. By ensuring readiness and coordination among various departments, they strive to safeguard residents and minimise disruption during this weather event.