CHENNAI: Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall over Tamil Nadu's coastal regions on November 30, has wreaked havoc, leaving at least 19 dead and causing widespread damage. The storm intensified into a cyclonic storm as it approached the state, bringing heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and flooding to districts such as Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Puducherry.

The cyclone's trajectory shifted closer to Mahabalipuram, intensifying its impact across Chennai and its surroundings. In the wake of the storm, the Tamil Nadu government declared holidays for schools in several districts and urged residents to stay indoors. As rain and wind continued throughout the weekend, authorities focused on rescue and relief operations.

Thousands were evacuated from affected areas, and disaster management teams worked tirelessly to assist those in need. Reports of severe infrastructure damage, including uprooted trees and collapsed buildings, have emerged, making recovery efforts more challenging. Public transport in several areas was suspended, and power outages were widespread. 

The storm's impact has been particularly harsh on agriculture, with crops in several regions reported as damaged. Local farmers are now facing significant losses due to the flooding and destruction of farmland. Efforts are underway to clear roads, restore power lines, and provide aid to affected communities.

Puducherry, which received its highest rainfall in 30 years, remained flooded as the downpour continued. The entire Puducherry town was flooded on Sunday due to a heavy downpour of 46 cm rainfall, the highest since 2004 when it was 21 cm. The Union Territory saw streets submerged, with low-lying residential areas reporting waist-deep water. Trees were uprooted, power lines snapped, and major roads rendered impassable. Relief centres have been set up with voluntary organizations stepping in to supply food to affected residents.

The Indian Army and Coast Guard joined rescue efforts early Sunday morning, evacuating over 100 people stranded in the heavily flooded Krishna Nagar area. In neighbouring Villupuram district in Tamil Nadu, the cyclone's impact was equally severe. Automatic weather stations recorded 504 mm of rainfall in Mailam, while Nemmeli and Vanur reported 46 cm and 41 cm, respectively.

As many as 11 incidents of wall collapse have been reported in Kottakuppam and Marakkanam and about 51 electric poles and 22 trees were uprooted were also reported on Monday. According to the administration over 1,281 residents had been evacuated to 21 relief camps across the district.

Chief Minister M K Stalin described the rain in Villupuram district as "unprecedented," saying that Mailam recorded 49 cm, followed by Nemmeli at 46 cm and Vanur (41 cm) in the past 24 hours. He also said that he would request the Centre to send a team to assess the damage in Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Chengelpet, the other worst-affected areas due to the cyclone.

Stalin has said that he in constant touch with district collectors and Ministers in charge of several districts including that of of Cuddalore, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri and Tiruvannamalai and instructed them to expedite the relief work and ensure that normalcy returned to the districts at the earliest.