The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings as Cyclone Fengal, a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, intensifies and approaches the Tamil Nadu coast. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall has submerged thousands of acres of crops in the Cauvery Delta region, causing significant losses to farmers. Areas like Tiruvarur, Cuddalore, and Mayiladuthurai have been particularly impacted, with schools and colleges closed in affected districts. Authorities are on high alert to mitigate further damage and ensure public safety.

The naming of Cyclone Fengal traces back to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the ESCAP panel’s naming system, where Saudi Arabia suggested the name “Fengal.” This system, established in 2000, aims to enhance public awareness of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. Fengal is the latest in a series of names contributed by North Indian Ocean countries to the rotating list used for new storms.

Forecasts indicate that Cyclone Fengal is likely to bring severe weather conditions, including intense rainfall and potential localized flooding, as it edges closer to Tamil Nadu. The IMD continues to monitor the cyclone’s progress while issuing updates to help residents prepare for possible disruptions and risks. Farmers and local authorities are bracing for worsening conditions amid the ongoing rainfall.