Downpour lashes Chennai: Cyclone Fengal's landfall near Puducherry early Sunday

Ahead of Cyclone Fengal (pronounced 'fenjal') making landfall early on Sunday near the Puducherry coast, Chennai and surrounding districts are pounded by heavy downpour accompanied by gusty winds without any respite.

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While the sea is rough with high tides lashing the shores, the Marina beach, the second longest in the world, is covered by a blanket of water. According to the Meteorological office, heavy rains would continue for the next 48 hours. The public has been asked to remain indoors by both the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry governments.

Many low-lying areas of Chennai, particularly Korattur and Royapuram in north Chennai, as well as in Ambattur and Avadi, are surrounded by flood waters. The Chennai Corporation is taking steps to pump out water from waterlogged areas.