A man navigates his three-wheeler cart through strong winds and rain at Marina Beach in Chennai on Saturday, just before cyclone Fengal made landfall in India's Tamil Nadu state. AFP
A low-intensity cyclone that struck India's southern coast claimed the lives of at least three individuals, but caused minimal widespread damage, according to officials. Cyclone Fengal made landfall late Saturday, with sustained winds ranging from 70 to 80 km per hour. Three people were electrocuted due to the storm in Chennai, as reported by Tamil Nadu's disaster management minister KKSSR Ramachandran. However, the overall damage caused by the cyclone was deemed 'minimal'.
The Times of India reported a death toll of four, noting incidents of flooding and fallen trees, but not to the extent initially feared. Cyclones, similar to hurricanes in the North Atlantic or typhoons in the northwestern Pacific, are a recurring and deadly threat in the northern Indian Ocean. While the storm is expected to weaken into a depression by Sunday, India's weather bureau cautioned of heavy rainfall across southern parts of the country. They advised a complete halt to fishing activities and warned of a 'moderate to high risk of flash floods' in certain areas.
Earlier this week, Fengal skirted the coast of Sri Lanka, resulting in at least 12 fatalities, including six children. Scientists have cautioned that storms are intensifying due to global warming, driven by the burning of fossil fuels. Warmer ocean surfaces release more water vapor, providing additional energy for storms and strengthening winds. A warmer atmosphere also enables storms to hold more water, increasing rainfall. However, improved forecasting and more effective evacuation strategies have significantly reduced death tolls.
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