Cyclone-triggered rains leave several areas inundated 

Cyclone Fengal causes flooding, power outages, and damage in Puducherry, prompting evacuation of 1,000 residents to relief camps.

The crossing of Cyclone Fengal close to Puducherry coast has resulted in the inundation of several residential areas and arterial roads, caused damage to houses, trees and completely disrupted the power supply system in Puducherry. 

According to a Revenue official, about 1,000 people have been moved to various relief camps following water-logging in the town.

The heavy rain, which began lashing the region on Saturday evening, inundated the low-lying areas of Venkata Nagar, Krishna Nagar, Rainbow Nagar, Challan Nagar, Pavanan Nagar and areas in Mudaliarpet and Reddiayarpalayam. 

Bimal, a resident of Venkata Nagar said that floodwater entered their homes by 12 a.m. “Though rain has subsidised, water has not receded from the area. Floodwater remains stagnant on the first floors of most of the houses in the area,” he said. 

The Fire Service personnel rescued five members of a family at Nellithope after their house collapsed. The assessment of damage to huts and other properties would begin only after the weather clears, a Revenue official said. 

Besides damage to distribution lines and electric posts, water has entered the sub stations at Venkata Nagar and Marappalam junction. Power supply was yet to be resumed in most places of Puducherry town and suburban areas. 

Several trees have been uprooted in the town causing damaging to power distribution networks, pavements and building structures. Even big trees got uprooted in the Boulevard area, said a Municipality official.