Cyclone Fengal: Cyclonic storm Fengal commenced its landfall process close to Puducherry and it may approximately take 4 hours for it to cross the coast completely, PTI reported, citing an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official on Saturday.

Cyclone Fengal made landfall near Puducherry and is likely to cross the Tamil Nadu coasts in the next three to four hours.

Chennai's reservoirs, now 53% full after rains from Cyclone Fengal, have seen a significant increase from the previous 45% capacity.

The Department of Revenue and Disaster Management has set up toll-free numbers 112 and 1077 to receive distress calls from the public. People can also seek help through the WhatsApp number 9488981070.

BENGALURU: Heavy rains lashed India’s south and a major airport shut operations as cyclone Fengal made landfall

In a 7:35 pm update, the IMD reported that the forward sector of the cyclone's spiral bands has already moved inland. The storm is forecast to continue moving west-southwest, crossing the northern Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram,

Life has been severely disrupted, with many people stranded across various regions of Puducherry and Tamil Nadu due to the ongoing cyclonic conditions.

Chennai and neighbourhood areas in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry reported heavy rainfall on Saturday with intense continuing as the cyclone Fengal's landfall process commences at around 7pm.

Cyclone Fengal is set to make landfall near Puducherry, affecting Tamil Nadu's coastal regions with heavy rain and flight disruptions. Authorities have issued warnings, urging fishermen to avoid the sea and closing tourist spots.

Cyclone Fengal over the southwest Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 13kmph during Saturday afternoon and was located at about 120km east-northeast of the union territory of Puducherry, according to the Indian Meteorological Department.