Cyclone Fengal has severely impacted air travel in southern India, causing numerous flight cancellations and delays. Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) reported the cancellation of 20 flights and the diversion of two others on Saturday, November 30, 2024, as unfavorable weather conditions persisted in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
Airport authorities confirmed that the cancelled flights included 10 outbound and 10 inbound services. These included three flights between Hyderabad and Chennai, along with their return journeys, and seven flights operating to and from Tirupati.
Cyclone Fengal Update: Landfall Expected Today
Cyclone Fengal is expected to make landfall along the Tamil Nadu coast this evening. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several areas in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh due to continuous heavy rainfall.
As per IMD updates, the cyclonic storm over the southwest Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestward at a speed of 7 km/h in the past six hours. As of 11:30 PM IST on November 29, the cyclone was centered over the region near latitude 11.8°N and longitude 81.7°E. It was located approximately 360 km north of Trincomalee, 230 km east-northeast of Nagapattinam, 210 km east of Puducherry, and 210 km southeast of Chennai.
Forecast and Precautions The cyclone is predicted to move west-northwestward and is likely to make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, near Puducherry, as a cyclonic storm. Wind speeds are expected to reach 70-80 km/h, with gusts up to 90 km/h, during the afternoon of November 30.
Authorities have urged residents in the affected regions to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow safety guidelines as the cyclone approaches.
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