Cyclone Fengal struck the southern coast of India, bringing unprecedented rainfall and destruction to the Puducherry and Tamil Nadu regions.
The powerful storm crossed the coast from the Bay of Bengal on Saturday, dumping the heaviest rainfall in 30 years, according to India’s weather office.
Rescuers worked tirelessly, wading through waist-high water to assist those trapped by the floods, as the cyclone’s impact was felt across the region.
At least 19 lives have been lost due to the storm, with casualties reported in both India and Sri Lanka.
In Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the heavy rains caused widespread flooding, submerging roads and homes.
Cyclone Fengal causes at least 19 fatalities and disrupts flights in southern India.Emergency services were deployed to help affected residents, and efforts were ongoing to clear the debris and provide relief.
The cyclone also caused significant disruptions to air travel.
Flights from Chennai were temporarily suspended on Saturday, leaving many travelers stranded.
However, by Sunday morning, the situation had improved, and the airport resumed operations, easing the travel restrictions.
The effects of Cyclone Fengal serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of coastal regions to extreme weather events.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as recovery operations move forward, and residents are urged to remain vigilant as the aftermath of the cyclone unfolds.