NEW DELHI, 30th November, 2024 (WAM) -- One of India’s busiest airports, Chennai International, has been shut as Cyclone Fengal, with a wind speed of 70-80 km per hour, races towards landfall near the city, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
The Southern Railway announced that train frequencies in the region have been reduced due to the adverse weather. The IMD said a “red alert” has been issued for seven districts in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, of which Chennai is the capital.
Vast areas in Chennai are waterlogged, the local police, which set up 39 control rooms and evacuated 24 people by boats to safety so far, said. These include a 97-year-old man and his 87-year-old wife.
IMD said the cyclone could make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram with winds gusting up to 90 kmph.