Padmesh Prabhune –
Cyclone Fengal has wreaked havoc in South India, with Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karnataka, and Kerala experiencing heavy rainfall as warned earlier by The India Meteorological Department (IMD) disrupting Cargo and Port operations across south India.
With Cyclone Fengal, now weakened into a low-pressure area, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of intensified rainfall in Kerala as the system shifts toward the Arabian Sea near the Kerala and Karnataka coasts by December 3.
According to officials a red alert was issued for Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry due to expected heavy rainfall and high tides. IMD had also issued yellow and orange alerts for Bengaluru and Coastal Karnataka.
Kerala is bracing for widespread rainfall, with red alerts issued for Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram. The IMD predicts very heavy to extremely heavy rain across northern and central districts over the next five days.
Officials further stated, “Cyclone Fengal made landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram on the Tamil Nadu coast on Sunday, 1 December. After landfall, the Cyclone remained stationary for six hours near Puducherry instead of moving west-south westward as forecast.”
While the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai has issued an orange alert for very heavy rains in Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villup uram,Cuddalore, and Puducherry, a yellow alert for heavy rains covers Chennai, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi,P erambalur, Ariyalur, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Karaikal.
IMD officials had issued an advisory for fishermen to stay ashore till December 6 and not to venture into sea as rainfall is expected to continues through, with district officials urging those already at sea to return to shore immediately.
As rescue efforts continue, the focus shifts to mitigating damage and ensuring safety in affected regions. With rains expected to persist, authorities remain on high alert.
Disruptions at Port operations:
Kattupalli Port: Cargo operations were suspended due to high swells and heavy winds.
Ennore Port: Container vessel operations were slow due to vessel rolling. Outward movements were permitted, but inward movements were temporarily suspended.
Chennai Port: Inward movements were halted due to strong winds, but in-port cargo operations continued at a reduced pace. Outward movements were proceeding as scheduled.
Krishnapatnam Port: The port resumed inward movements with the first pilot arriving at 09:30 hrs, successfully bringing the vessel alongside, while two other vessels are on route to their designated berths.
Kakinada Port: Cargo operations are suspended at Kakinada Anchorage Port, while operations at Kakinada Alongside Berth are normal, with inward/outward movements resumed at 11:30 hrs on 01.12.2024, and the weather condition is cloudy. Earlier, Cargo handling operations were disrupted at Anchorage port on Saturday due to a depression in the Bay of Bengal and winds ranging from 46 to 50 km/h. Twelve ships were anchored, and rice loading onto eight ships was halted due to foul weather. Rice load barges were anchored at nearby jetties, and workers were instructed to suspend handling duties.
Marex Media