Pendu Mania at 07:19, 17 April 2026

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{{Short description|North Indian Ocean cyclone in 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}}
{{Infobox weather event
| name = Cyclonic Storm Fengal
| image = Fengal 2024-11-30 0000Z.jpg
| caption = Fengal at peak intensity nearing landfall in Southern India on November 30.
| formed = 25 November 2024
| post-tropical = 1 December 2024
| dissipated = 4 December 2024
}}
{{Infobox weather event/IMD
| winds = 45
| pressure = 996
| gusts = 55
}}
{{Infobox weather event/JTWC
| winds = 45
| pressure = 991
| gusts = 60
}}
{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| year = 2024
| damages = 55000000
| fatalities = 37 (20 in India, 17 in Sri Lanka)
| missing = 50
| injuries = 20
| affected = [[Southern India]], [[Sri Lanka]]
| ibtracs = 2024335N12082
}}
{{Infobox weather event/Footer
| season = [[2024 North Indian Ocean cyclone season]]
}}

'''Cyclonic Storm Fengal'''{{efn|The name ''Fengal'' ([[Arabic language|Arabic]]: فنجال, [[Help:IPA/Arabic|[fendʒaːl]]]) was contributed by [[Saudi Arabia]] and refers to a traditional finjan coffee cups in [[Arabic language|Arabic]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Modi |first=Diksha |date=November 27, 2024 |title=Cyclone Fengal: How the storm got its name and what it means |url=https://www.news18.com/india/cyclone-fengal-how-the-storm-got-its-name-and-what-it-means-9135688.html |access-date=November 28, 2024 |website=[[News 18]] |archive-date=January 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250105012940/https://www.news18.com/india/cyclone-fengal-how-the-storm-got-its-name-and-what-it-means-9135688.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 28, 2024 |title=Cyclone Fengal to intensify in Bay of Bengal, here's how 'Fengal' got its name |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/cyclone-fengal-to-intensify-in-bay-of-bengal-here-s-how-fengal-got-its-name-11732763061701.html |access-date=November 30, 2024 |website=[[Livemint]]}}</ref>}} was a deadly [[tropical cyclone]] that brought significant flooding and damage to [[Southern India]] and [[Sri Lanka]]. The fourth and final cyclonic storm of the [[2024 North Indian Ocean cyclone season]], Fengal originated from a [[tropical disturbance]] off the coast of [[Sumatra]], [[Indonesia]] on 14 November. It killed at least 37 people; 20 in India and 17 in Sri Lanka, along with 20 injuries. Economic losses reached $55 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Bowen |first1=Steve |last2=Kerschner |first2=Brian |last3=Zheng Ng |first3=Jin |date=January 1, 2025 |title=Natural Catastrophe and Climate Report: 2025 |url=https://www.ajg.com/gallagherre/-/media/files/gallagher/gallagherre/news-and-insights/2025/natural-catastrophe-and-climate-report-2025.pdf |access-date=January 21, 2025 |website=ajg.com}}</ref>

== Meteorological history==
{{storm path|Fengal 2024 path.png|colors=new}}
On 14 November, the Australian [[Bureau of Meteorology]] noted the potential formation of a tropical low west of [[Sumatra]], [[Indonesia]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Tropical cyclone 7 day forecast |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/7dayforecast/ |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=24 November 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241115221700/http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/7dayforecast/ |archive-date=15 November 2024 |date=2024-11-15}}</ref> The tropical low formed a few days later due to the occurrence of a [[westerly wind burst]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Tropical cyclone 7 day forecast |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/7dayforecast/ |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=24 November 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241118124422/http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/7dayforecast/ |archive-date=18 November 2024 |date=2024-11-20}}</ref> As the low formed, it led to the formation of an [[invest (meteorology)|invest]] on 18 November, designated as '''96S''' by the [[Joint Typhoon Warning Centre|JTWC]]. It later formed a deadly [[Cyclone Robyn (2024)|twin cyclone]]. Another invest was formed on 21 November, designated as '''99B'''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=HOAREAU |first=PATRICK |title=MJO pulse forecast to help development of INVEST 99B and INVEST 965S within the next several days// 2406utc |url=https://www.meteo974.re/MJO-pulse-forecast-to-help-development-of-INVEST-99B-and-INVEST-965S-within-the-next-several-days-2406utc_a2703.html |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=Météo.Cyclones.World@PH }}</ref> This invest struggled to develop initially due to the presence of strong [[wind shear]] with convection spread all the way from the [[Malay Peninsula]] to [[Sri Lanka]].<ref>{{Cite JTWC|type=abio|designation=90S|url=https://wiki.chlod.net/jtwc/text/2024-11-23-1830-abioweb.txt|date=2024-11-23|time=1830Z|reissued=1}}</ref> Subsequently, it organised itself into a low pressure area on 23 November.<ref name="tropical-weather-outlook">{{cite news|url=https://rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/uploads/archive/2/2_df857d_TROPICAL%20WEATHER%20OUTLOOK%20based%20on%200300%20UTC%20of%2023.11.2024..pdf|title=Low pressure area over East Equatorial Indian Ocean and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal|work=IMD}}</ref>

As it moved westward, the [[India Meteorological Department]] (IMD) began tracking the system for potential [[tropical cyclogenesis]].<ref name="tropical-weather-outlook"/> It strengthened into a [[Depression (weather)|depression]] on 25 November while it moved northwestwards towards [[Tamil Nadu]] and Sri Lanka coast.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 November 2024 |title=IMD Status BOB |url=https://x.com/Indiametdept/status/1860932801098555641 |access-date=30 November 2024 |website=X}}</ref> On 26 November at 01:30 IST, JTWC issued it a [[Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert]] on the depression as it began to move northward, paralleling the [[Coromandel Coast|Coromandel coast]]. On the same day, in southwestern parts of Bay of Bengal, it intensified further into a deep depression, later moving into [[Sri Lanka]]. It continued moving parallel to the Coromandel coast and by 27 November, it was located 490 km south-southeast of [[Chennai]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/uploads/archive/2/2_bb600a_SPECIAL%20TROPICAL%20WEATHER%20OUTLOOK%20based%20on%201800%20UTC%20of%2027.11.2024.pdf|title=Deep Depression over central parts of southwest Bay of Bengal |work=IMD}}</ref> The JTWC noted that the system showed highly disorganized but persistent areas of convection. It was in a marginal environment for [[tropical cyclogenesis]] with high vertical [[wind shear]] just northeast of Sri Lanka limiting further intensification.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/abioweb.txt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213123248/http://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/abioweb.txt|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 February 2018|title=SIGNIFICANT TROPICAL WEATHER ADVISORY FOR THE INDIAN OCEAN|work=JTWC}}</ref> On 28 November, the system maintained its intensity and moved north-northwestwards at a speed of 9 km/h.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/uploads/archive/2/2_7e47a7_SPECIAL%20TROPICAL%20WEATHER%20OUTLOOK%20based%20on%201800%20UTC%20of%2028.11.2024.pdf|title=Deep Depression over southwest Bay of Bengal |work=IMD}}</ref> By 14:30 IST on 29 November, the system became organized and strengthened into a cyclonic storm, given the name '''Fengal''' by the [[Indian Meteorological Department|IMD]]. At that time, it was 300 km southeast of Chennai and moved of 13 km/h.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/uploads/archive/2/2_0fbe70_TROPICAL%20CYCLONE%20ADVISORY%20NO.%201%20based%20on%200900%20UTC%20of%2029.11.2024.pdf|title=DEEP DEPRESSION INTENSIFIED INTO CYCLNIC STORM "FENGAL" OVER SOUTHWEST BAY OF BENGAL|work=IMD}}</ref>

On the early morning of 30 November, Fengal reached its peak intensity with 3-minute sustained winds of 85 km/h.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mausam.imd.gov.in/Forecast/marquee_data/28.%20National%20Bulletin%20No%2028-30Nov2024_0530IST.pdf|title=Cyclonic Storm "FENGAL" [pronounced as FEINJAL] over Southwest Bay of Bengal (Cyclone Warning: Red Message for North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh Coasts)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130053435/https://mausam.imd.gov.in/Forecast/marquee_data/28.%20National%20Bulletin%20No%2028-30Nov2024_0530IST.pdf|archive-date=30 November 2024|work=IMD}}</ref> The JTWC recorded a 1-minute sustained winds 95 km/h and a pressure of 987 hPa as it moves westward toward [[Southern India]] at the same time.<ref>{{Cite JTWC|type=abio|designation=90S|url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/io0424web.txt|date=2024-11-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130033712/https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/io0424web.txt|time=0000Z|archive-date=2024-11-30|reissued=1}}</ref> It made landfall near [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]] and [[Marakkanam]] regions between [[Karaikal]] and [[Mamallapuram|Mababalipuram]] coasts on the evening of 30 November<ref name="nine">{{Cite news |last=Jha |first=Prabhakar |date=30 November 2024 |title=Cyclone Fengal makes landfall, brings heavy rains and gusty winds to TN & Puducherry |url=https://www.news9live.com/india/cyclone-fengal-chennai-puducherry-rains-2763283 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130201230/https://www.news9live.com/india/this-is-our-moment-to-lead-innovate-and-break-the-status-quo-gautam-adani-2763237 |archive-date=30 November 2024 |access-date=30 November 2024}}</ref> and weakened slightly due to land interaction and wind shear.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 November 2024 |title=HOURLY UPDATE ON CYCLONIC STORM "FENGAL" BULLETIN NO. 03 |url=https://rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/uploads/archive/47/47_d60586_Hourly%20Bulletin%20No.%203_30Nov-1930-IST.pdf |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130160748/https://rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/uploads/archive/47/47_d60586_Hourly%20Bulletin%20No.%203_30Nov-1930-IST.pdf |archive-date=30 November 2024 |access-date=30 November 2024 |work=[[India Meteorological Department]]}}</ref> The next day on 1 December, the system had weakened to a deep depression by 11:30 IST at a distance of 30 km north of [[Cuddalore]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mausam.imd.gov.in/Forecast/marquee_data/38.%20National%20Bulletin%20No%2038-01Dec2024_1130IST.pdf|title=Cyclonic Storm "FENGAL" [pronounced as FEINJAL] weakened into a Deep Depression over north coastal Tamil Nadu & Puducherry|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201153839/https://mausam.imd.gov.in/Forecast/marquee_data/38.%20National%20Bulletin%20No%2038-01Dec2024_1130IST.pdf|archive-date=1 December 2024|work=IMD}}</ref> The same day by 17:30 IST, the [[post-tropical cyclone|remnant of the cyclone]] weakened further into a depression over the same region.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mausam.imd.gov.in/imd_latest/contents/cyclone.php|title=DEEP DEPRESSION OVER NORTH COASTAL TAMIL NADU WEAKENED INTO A DEPRESSION.|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201154028/https://mausam.imd.gov.in/imd_latest/contents/cyclone.php|archive-date=1 December 2024|work=IMD}}</ref> It weakened further into a remnant low over north interior [[Tamil Nadu]] on 2 December.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/uploads/archive/1/1_89dcaa_41.%20National%20Bulletin%20No%2041-02Dec2024_0530IST.pdf|title=TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR THE NORTH INDIAN OCEAN VALID FOR THE NEXT 168 HOURS ISSUED AT 0600 UTC OF 02122024 BASED ON 0300 UTC OF 02122024|work=IMD}}</ref> The next day on 3 December, the system emerged over coastal [[Karnataka]], proceeded into the [[Arabian Sea]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mausam.imd.gov.in/imd_latest/contents/cyclone.php#.|title=TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR THE NORTH INDIAN OCEAN (THE BAY OF BENGAL AND THE ARABIAN SEA) VALID FOR THE NEXT 168 HOURS ISSUED AT 0600 UTC OF 03122024 BASED ON 0300 UTC OF 03122024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203195313/https://mausam.imd.gov.in/imd_latest/contents/cyclone.php#.|archive-date=3 December 2024|work=IMD}}</ref> and dissipated on 4 December.{{citation needed|date=December 2024}}

== Preparation ==
As Fengal formed, the IMD issued a red alert for the states of [[Tamil Nadu]], southern [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Kerala]], and [[Karnataka]] as extremely heavy rainfall was expected.<ref name="mint">{{Cite news |date=27 November 2024 |title=Cyclone Fengal highlights: Landfall on November 30 afternoon, red alert in Southern states for heavy rain |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/cyclone-fengal-tracker-live-updates-cyclone-in-chennai-imd-forecast-today-puducherry-tamil-nadu-rains-weather-27-nov-11732694894470.html |work=mint}}</ref> As Fengal approached India, the [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]] government closed all schools in its district until 30 November.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 November 2024 |title=Cyclone Fengal: Deep depression intensifies into cyclonic storm, landfall today |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cyclone-fengal-deep-depression-intensifies-into-cyclonic-storm-landfall-tomorrow-101732895750101.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130003259/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cyclone-fengal-deep-depression-intensifies-into-cyclonic-storm-landfall-tomorrow-101732895750101.html |archive-date=30 November 2024 |work=Hindustan Times}}</ref> Fishermen were advised to halt fishing and move their boats to higher ground in anticipation of Fengal's landfall over Puducherry.<ref name="mint"/> Chennai's [[Chennai International Airport|Meenambakkam Airport]] suspended operations until the morning of 1 December.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 December 2024 |title=Cyclone Fengal live: Storm to cross Tamil Nadu coast in one hour, IMD warns of winds up to 90km/h |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cyclone-fengal-live-updates-tracker-landfall-today-november-30-red-alert-tamil-nadu-andhra-puducherry-schools-closed-101732925670316.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130193410/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cyclone-fengal-live-updates-tracker-landfall-today-november-30-red-alert-tamil-nadu-andhra-puducherry-schools-closed-101732925670316.html |archive-date=30 November 2024 |access-date=30 November 2024 |work=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

== Impact ==
===Sri Lanka===
As Fengal crossed Sri Lanka in depression stage, it caused significant damage. Nearly 480,000 people were displaced, 17 were killed and 20 were injured, with 103 homes destroyed and 2,635 others damaged.<ref>{{cite news|title=ආපදා මරණ 17ක් දක්වා ඉහළට|url=https://sinhala.adaderana.lk/news/203904|publisher=Ada Derana|language=si|date=30 November 2024|access-date=1 December 2024}}</ref>
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===India===
In [[Tiruvannamalai]], 10 people died; seven from a landslide,<ref>{{cite news|title=7 trapped in house after landslip found dead in Tiruvannamalai|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/7-trapped-in-house-after-landslip-found-dead/article68939762.ece1|date=2 December 2024|access-date=2 December 2024|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|language=en}}</ref> two from drowning and another due to electrocution.<ref>{{cite news|title=Three dead as cyclone Fengal triggers rains in Tiruvannamalai|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2024/Dec/02/three-dead-as-cyclone-fengal-triggers-rains-in-tiruvannamalai|date=2 December 2024|access-date=2 December 2024|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|language=en}}</ref> Heavy rains of up to {{cvt|130|mm|in|abbr=on}} also caused severe flooding in [[Chennai]], resulting in four deaths from electrocution.<ref>{{cite news|title=Four electrocuted in Chennai as cyclone Fengal makes landfall|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/four-electrocuted-in-chennai-as-cyclone-fengal-makes-landfall/articleshow/115855005.cms|date=1 December 2024|access-date=1 December 2024|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|language=en}}</ref> In [[Ooty]], heavy rains caused a house to collapse, killing a 45-year-old man.<ref>{{cite news|title=Man dies in house collapse in Ooty|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tamil-nadu-rains-man-dies-in-house-collapse-in-ooty/article68937424.ece|date=2 December 2024|access-date=2 December 2024|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|language=en}}</ref> Additionally, four people were killed in [[Puducherry (union territory)|Pondicherry]] and another in [[Vellore]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Nine killed as Fengal drowns Puducherry, Villupuram|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2024/Dec/02/nine-killed-as-fengal-drowns-puddcherry-villupuram|date=2 December 2024|access-date=2 December 2024|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|language=en}}</ref> Flooding inundated around 800 acres of farmland in [[Nagapattinam]].<ref name="mint"/> The remnant of the cyclone brought torrential rainfall in various districts of [[Tamil Nadu]] and left a trail of floods. Uthangarai in [[Krishnagiri district]] recorded 50 cm of rain in 24 hours. Places such as Mailam (50 cm), Tindivanam (38 cm), Kedar (42 cm), Soorapattu (38 cm), Mundiyampakkam (32 cm), [[Viluppuram|Villupuram town]] (35 cm), Koliyanur (32 cm) and Marakkanam (24.04 cm) in [[Viluppuram district]], [[Harur]] (33 cm) in [[Dharmapuri district]], and Thirupalapandal (32 cm) and Madampoondi (31 cm) in [[Kallakurichi district]] were also affected.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/cyclone-fengals-remnant-expected-to-weaken-further-cause-heavy-rain-in-15-districts/article68938972.ece|title=Cyclone Fengal's remnant expected to weaken further, cause heavy rain in 15 districts in Tamil Nadu|work=TheHindu}}</ref> Preliminary damage of the cyclone was estimated to be [[Indian rupee|Rs]]150 crore (US$17.7 million).<ref>{{cite news|last=Kurian|first=Vinson|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/fengal-slows-down-on-home-stretch-economic-loss-estimated-at-rs-150-crore/article68931432.ece|title=Fengal slows down on home stretch, economic loss estimated at ₹150 crore|work=The Hindu Business Line|date=30 November 2024|access-date=1 December 2024}}</ref>
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== See also ==
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones|India|Sri Lanka}}
* [[Tropical cyclones in 2024]]
* [[Weather of 2024]]
* [[Cyclone Thane]] - A strong tropical cyclone that struck the same region.
* [[Cyclone Nilam]] - A similarly strength tropical cyclone that brought flooding to the same region.
* [[Cyclone Robyn (2024)]] - The twin cyclone of Fengal, also a deadly cyclone that brought flooding to Indonesia and killed more than 40 people.
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== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==

{{reflist}}

== External links ==
*{{Commons category-inline}}

{{Portal bar|Tropical cyclones|India|Sri Lanka}}
{{2024 North Indian Ocean cyclone season buttons}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fengal}}
[[Category:2024 disasters in India]]
[[Category:2024 disasters in Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in 2024]]
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in India]]
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:2024 in India]]
[[Category:2024 in Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:2024 North Indian Ocean cyclone season]]
[[Category:November 2024 in India]]
[[Category:November 2024 in Sri Lanka]]

Cyclone Fengal - Revision history

Pendu Mania at 07:19, 17 April 2026