India’s cyclone season is closely tied to the summer monsoon, with the most intense storms typically forming in the pre-monsoon period (May to June) and the post-monsoon period (October to November). Since 2019, India has experienced 27 cyclones, 23 of which caused minimal impact. Four were classified as severe, significantly damaging infrastructure and livelihoods in the affected regions. These cyclones can bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges, posing a threat to coastal communities and necessitating preparedness measures.
The most intense cyclone to hit India in the past 12 months was “Hamoon.” It landed near Saiha on October 24, 2023, at 11:30 pm local time, with wind speeds reaching up to 137 km/h and a diameter of 44 kms. According to the internationally recognized Saffir-Simpson scale, it was classified as a category 1 cyclone. Over the open sea, wind speeds peaked at 148 km/h.
Cyclone Fengal was a developing tropical weather system currently forming over the southeast Bay of Bengal and the adjoining East Equatorial Indian Ocean. As of November 26, 2024, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had reported that this system has intensified from a low-pressure area into a depression and is expected to continue strengthening, potentially making landfall between Chennai and Puducherry within the next few days.
Cyclone Fengal originated from a cyclonic circulation that developed near the South Andaman Sea on November 21, 2024. It transitioned into a low-pressure area by November 23 and was classified as a depression by November 24.
The name “Fengal” was suggested by Saudi Arabia as part of a naming convention established by a group of 13 countries for cyclones in the region.
The cyclone was moving north-northwestwards, with predictions indicating it would approach the coasts of Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu. It was expected to make landfall between November 25 and 27, bringing significant weather impacts to these areas.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall was forecasted for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with isolated areas potentially experiencing extremely heavy downpours. Rainfall amounts could reach between 64.5 mm to over 204.5 mm during this period.
Sustained winds were anticipated to reach speeds of up to 65 km/h, with gusts potentially reaching 75 km/h, posing risks to coastal infrastructure and activities.
Cyclone Fengal followed Cyclone Dana, which impacted Odisha on October 25, 2024. Unlike many cyclones that typically affect Andhra Pradesh or West Bengal during this season, Fengal’s trajectory marked a shift towards Southern India, specifically targeting Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Sri Lanka.
Cyclones that Have Hit India
Some of the Cyclones that hit India from 2019 to 2024 are:
Here’s the list of the destructive cyclones that have hit India from 2019 till now. Cyclone – Dates- Peak Intensity Affected Area Damage (USD) Fatalities
Pabuk Jan 4 – 8, 19 Tropical Storm Andaman Sea Minimal None
Fani Apr 26 – May 4, 19 Extremely Severe Odisha, West Bengal $8.1 Billion 89
Vayu Jun 10 – 17, 19 Very Severe Gujarat Moderate None
Hikka Aug 6 – 9, 19 Very Severe Oman (India Minimal) Minimal None
Kyarr Oct 24 – Nov 2, 19 Super Cyclonic Arabian Sea (no on India) Minimal None Maha Oct 30 – Nov 7, 19 Extremely Severe Arabian Sea (no on India) Minimal None
Bulbul Nov 5 – Nov 11, 19 Very Severe Odisha Moderate None
Pawan Dec 2 -7, 19 Tropical Storm Arabian Sea Minimal None
Amphan May 16 -21, 20 Extremely Severe West Bengal $13 billion 128
Tauktae May 17 -26, 21 Extremely Severe Gujarat $8.1 billion 170
Yaas May 23 -26, 21 Very Severe Odisha $610 million None
Jawad Dec 2 – 6, 21 Very Severe Andhra P , Odisha Minimal None
Asani May 8 -12, 22 Very Severe Andhra Pradesh Minimal None Mandous Dec 9 – 12, 22 Very Severe Tamil Nadu Moderate None
Sitrang Oct 22 – 25, 22 Tropical Storm Assam, Odisha, West Bengal Minimal None
Biparjoy Jun 6 -15, 23 Extremely Severe Gujarat $700 million None
Remal May 24 – 28, 24 Severe Odisha $600 million None
Asna Aug 25 – Sep 3, 24 Tropical Storm Madhya Pradesh $30 million None
Dana Oct 24 – 25, 2024 Severe Odisha, West Bengal $72 million (Rs. 600 crore) Affected 14 districts in Odisha, impacting over 41 lakh people across 166 blocks.
For ‘Fengal’, the IMD had advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea due to expected rough conditions. Additionally, urban flooding might occur in areas experiencing heavy rainfall, necessitating precautions for local residents.
With Fengal (pronounced as Feinjal) set to cross coast, the Tamil Nadu government had appealed to people to stay indoors and declared November 30 a holiday for educational institutions and IT companies were requested to allow employees to work from home. Public transport had been suspended on the East Coast Road and Old Mahabalipuram Road, which are close to the shoreline. High Tides, Heavy Winds were seen In Tamil Nadu ahead of the ‘Fengal’ landfall.
At the current time of reporting, the Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall near Puducherry on November 30, remained stationary near the union territory and would gradually weaken in the next three hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Sunday, the 1st of December 2024.
Cyclone Fengal that made landfall in the coasts of Puducherry and Tamil Nadu remains stationary for the last six hours close to the union territory nearly 30 kms north of Cuddalore and 40 kms east of Villupuram. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) informed that as of 5:30 am, the cyclone has not moved in the past six hours and remains stationary 120 kms south-southwest of Chennai. Rough sea and gusty wind were witnessed due to the impact of cyclone Fengal.
As per a report, the airport had temporarily suspended operations on Nov 30 due to strong winds and heavy rainfall caused by cyclones. Airlines had issued travel advisories and updated their flight schedules in response to the continuous downpours in Tamil Nadu. Several passengers experienced delays, with many stranded at the airport for 8 to 10 hours due to the sudden cancellation of flights.
The Tamil Nadu government had urged the general public to “fully cooperate” and to avoid visiting beaches, amusement parks and attending recreational events in view of the cyclonic storm.
Also, construction companies had been asked to take precautionary measures to ensure that equipment, machinery might not fall down. Similarly, those who had erected advertisement hoardings had to ensure that these might not get swept away.
Challenging conditions at Chennai International airport as cyclone Fengal made landfall near Puducherry and was likely to cross the Tamil Nadu coasts in the next some hours. The cyclonic storm had brought heavy rains in the coastal districts, inundating houses and hospitals. Following consultations with AAI Headquarters and considering feedback from stakeholders, it had been decided to extend the closure of operations and passengers were recommended to check with their respective airlines regarding their flights.
Cyclone Fengal had progressed towards Tamil Nadu and made landfall on the Puducherry coasts. It was likely to remain in Tamil Nadu, and weaken into a deep depression.
Tropical cyclones and subtropical cyclones are named by various warning centers to simplify communication between forecasters and the general public regarding forecasts, watches and warnings. The names are intended to reduce confusion in the event of concurrent storms in the same basin.
These are named through a systematic and collaborative approach: Regional Collaboration: 13 countries in the Indian Ocean region contribute names for cyclones. Each country submits a list of names, which are used in sequential order. For example, Saudi Arabia’s suggestion, “Fengal,” was chosen for this cyclone. It is believed to symbolize “ STRONG WINDS or STORMS”.
According to IMD official, landfall process may take around 4 hours. As per IMD’s latest update, forward sector of spiral bands associated with the cyclone entered into the land near Puducherry.
The cyclone moved west-southwestwards and was likely to cross north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram. Wind speed measuring 70-80 kmph and reaching as high as 90 kmph will prevail over the region in the next hours.
As per IMD Head of Cyclonic Division, Ananda Das a red alert had been issued in view of heavy to extremely heavy rainfalls in several parts of Tamil Nadu, South Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and interior Karnataka.
He further said that the coastal districts of North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh would receive heavy rainfall, adding that on November 30, there would be heavy rainfall in the interior area of Tamil Nadu.
Due to it, there was flood like situation in Pondicherry; vehicles were partly submerged after incessant rainfall; Indian Army evacuated over 100 people; 3 got electrocuted in Chennai; Several beaches across Chennai such as the Marina, and the Elliot Beach faced high tides and rough sea conditions with extremely heavy rainfall and more.
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