Cyclone Fengal Latest News Updates: Schools in several parts of southern India are closed today because of heavy rainfall due to cyclone Fengal. Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall on the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Saturday, November 30, has caused widespread flooding in several areas, particularly in Cuddalore. Heavy rainfall has been recorded in several parts of Tamil Nadu since yesterday morning.

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A holiday has been declared for Monday in all the government and government-aided schools, private schools and all colleges in Puducherry, said the Union Territory's Education Minister A. Namachivayam on Sunday.

A holiday has also been declared in schools and colleges of Villupuram, Cuddalore, Vellore and Ranipet districts of Tamil Nadu.
The announcement has been made by the respective local administrations in view of the bad weather conditions caused due to the effects of Cyclone Fengal.

As the storm moves westward, heavy rainfall is expected in parts of Andhra Pradesh, including coastal and Rayalaseema regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued warnings for continued severe weather in these areas.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with the local administration, is actively involved in rescue operations, using boats to evacuate people from flood-hit areas.

Earlier, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Cyclone Fengal made landfall on the coasts of Puducherry and Tamil Nadu and remained stationary for six hours near the Union Territory, approximately 30 kilometres north of Cuddalore and 40 kilometres east of Viluppuram.

According to the IMD, Cyclone Fengal crossed the North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts late on Saturday night, between 10:30 pm and 11:30 pm IST, with wind speeds of 70-80 km/h, gusting up to 90 km/h. 

Meanwhile, all educational institutions in Kerala's Wayanad, including tuition centres, anganwadis, and professional colleges, will remain closed on Monday after a red alert was issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

However, the holiday will not apply to Model Residential Schools, as stated by the District Collector's announcement.

The IMD has issued a red alert for four districts in Kerala -- Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Kannur - warning of extremely heavy rainfall and isolated heavy rains on Monday.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has also issued a caution about potential waterlogging and traffic congestion.

With agency inputs