Cyclone Fengal will hit today. Here are the do's and don'ts

Chennai:

Cyclone Fengal is likely to hit between Karaikal in Puducherry and Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu today. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted wind speed of 70-80 kmph, which may go up to 90 kmph, as the cyclone intensifies along the coast.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over many districts of Tamil Nadu including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Kallakurichi and Cuddalore as well as Puducherry.

Red alert has been issued for major areas, with extremely heavy rainfall expected in isolated districts. Coastal areas are already witnessing rough seas and high tides.

Cyclone Fangal: Do's and Don'ts

What to do?

• Keep yourself and your family indoors. Switch off electricity and gas supply to prevent accidents such as fire or leakage.
• Make sure all windows and doors are tightly closed. If your home is not safe, move to an authorized shelter immediately.
• Monitor updates from reliable sources like IMD for weather conditions and evacuation instructions.
• Boil or purify water before use to avoid infection from contaminated sources.
• Rely on information and instructions from local authorities and emergency services.

what not to do

• Stay away from buildings until safety inspections are completed.
• Avoid areas with downed power lines, broken poles and sharp debris that could cause injury.
• If caught outside, take shelter in solid structures or designated cyclone shelters to avoid harm.
• Return to your area only when authorities declare it safe.
• Maintain distance from open or hanging wires, as they may still be energized.

Post cyclone measures

• Return to the affected areas after receiving confirmation from the authorities.
• Treat any injuries immediately and get vaccinated to avoid diseases that may occur after a cyclone.
• Be alert for obstacles such as debris or flooded areas while traveling

Cyclone Fengal: Current Situation

Schools and colleges are closed in many districts, and disaster response teams, including the NDRF, have been deployed ahead of the arrival of Cyclone Fengal. Relief camps have been set up and essential equipment like boats, motor pumps and tree cutting equipment are kept ready. Fishermen have been warned not to enter the water and preparations are underway to prevent flooding in low-lying areas.

In Puducherry, more than 4,000 boats have returned to the coast, and 2,229 relief camps are ready to accommodate evacuees if needed. According to regional weather officials, telecommunication lines and other infrastructure are under threat, especially in coastal districts.

Residents are urged to stay indoors.