Residents Advised to Stay Indoors

Officials in Puducherry have urged residents to remain indoors as Cyclone Fengal is expected to make landfall near the city on Saturday afternoon. All schools and colleges in the area will be closed on Saturday as a precautionary measure.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the cyclonic storm will bring wind speeds of up to 90 kmph upon landfall. District Collector A Kulothungan has convened meetings with officials from various departments, including PWD, local administration, and police, to review the situation and coordinate preparedness efforts.

The Department of Revenue and Disaster Management has established toll-free numbers 112 and 1077 for the public to report any distress during the storm. Additionally, people can seek assistance through the WhatsApp number 9488981070.

Following an advisory, 4,153 boats have returned to the shore, and 2,229 relief camps are prepared for potential use. As of now, 471 individuals from 164 families have been relocated to six relief centers in Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts.

Authorities have ensured the availability of boats, generators, motor pumps, and other necessary equipment in affected districts. NDRF and state teams have been deployed to Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Chengelpet, and Chennai to provide support. Senior officials have been stationed in their respective districts to oversee and coordinate response efforts with local authorities.