December 3rd, 2024:
The wrath of this cyclone continues to be felt in Tamil Nadu & Karnataka where people continue to lose their homes and livelihood. The cyclone, which is the result of heavy rains and widespread dampness, has completely influenced the scope of daily life and the infrastructure of the region.
Tamil Nadu
People in Tamil Nadu have been the worst hit by the cyclone and the whole nation is looking up for help. Several districts reported extreme weather conditions culminating in landslides, heavy rain and the main highway being obstructed. The worst affected regions included Vikravandi, Krishnagiri, Villupuram, etc. There are several thousand people who are now homeless, and such citizens require aid in terms of everyday needs. Relief camps have been raised in order to supply all basic needs of shelter, food and evening to affected people.
In response to the needs of these people, M.K Stalin, the Chief Minister declared a relief package of 2000 rupee per household. The government has also assured the populace that the restoration of essential services such as electricity and water is a top priority. NDRF has also mobilized its resources to help with the relief efforts in the areas where people were trapped and clearing away broken pieces.
Karnataka
The cyclone has also caused problems in the Karnataka region in particular areas of Bengaluru.
Heavy rains have caused waterlogging, traffic snarl-ups as well as disruption of public transport. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued warnings regarding the weather situation in the state advising people to be cautious.
The state government has activated its disaster management teams to deal with the situation and assist the affected population. Officials are closely monitoring the water level in rivers or lakes while taking relevant measures to prevent flooding.
Cyclone Simplified
What is the ‘landfall’ of a cyclone?
Simplified, landfall refers to when a tropical cyclone enters land after lying over the water. According to the India Meteorological Department, or IMD, the definition of a landfall in a tropical cyclone refers to when the storm center, or its eye, crosses the coastline.
According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, because the strongest winds in a tropical cyclone are not positioned precisely at the center it can be possible for cyclones to experience their greatest wind over land even without having landfall.
This sort of damage is attributed to extremely strong winds, heavy rainfalls and storm surges that cause devastating flooding along the coast.
A few hours is the landfall’s approximate length, depending on how fast the winds move and how huge the storm system is.
As the battered areas of Cyclone Fengal strive to recover from the destruction, the first phase of relief and rehabilitation work is underway. NGOs as well as volunteers are working with the government to provide food, medical help and psychological support to the affected people.
