A tragic scene unfolded in Chennai on Saturday as locals retrieved the body of an unidentified man from floodwaters outside an ATM, in a city grappling with heavy rainfall caused by Cyclone Fengal. A disturbing video shows men prodding the body with a wooden pole before pulling it out.
Police suspect the man was electrocuted, though the cause of death remains unconfirmed as investigations continue.
The relentless downpour and waterlogging across Chennai have paralyzed daily life, with residents bracing for more challenges as the powerful cyclone is set to make landfall later in the evening.
Cyclone Fengal’s Trail of Destruction
Cyclone Fengal, which earlier skirted Sri Lanka’s coast, has already claimed 12 lives there, including six children. In India, the storm has intensified waterlogging across Tamil Nadu’s coastal districts, with Chennai being one of the worst affected.
The Chennai International Airport has suspended operations until 7 pm today due to safety concerns over strong crosswinds exceeding 35 knots. Airlines like Indigo and Sri Lankan Airlines have canceled or diverted flights, leaving passengers stranded.
ALSO READ: Cyclone Fengal stalls operations at Chennai airport; red alert in 7 districts
IMD Issues Warnings
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for districts including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Cuddalore, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall. Puducherry is also on high alert as Cyclone Fengal nears landfall with winds expected to reach speeds of up to 90 km/h.
Scientists warn that cyclones like Fengal are becoming more severe due to climate change, fueled by global warming and the burning of fossil fuels. Rising sea temperatures contribute to the intensification of such storms, leaving coastal regions increasingly vulnerable.
As Chennai struggles with the immediate impacts of the cyclone, the tragic death highlights the growing human toll of extreme weather events, underscoring the urgent need for climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
