Amid relentless rains battering Chennai ahead of Cyclone Fengal’s landfall, a tragic incident unfolded when an unidentified man was electrocuted near a flooded ATM. His body, discovered floating in the water, was retrieved by bystanders using a wooden pole in a distressing video that highlights the dangers posed by extreme weather conditions and urban waterlogging.
நிலைமை ரொம்ப மோசமாக உள்ளது..
மக்களே வெளியே செல்லும் போது மிக கவனம்.
மண்ணடி – ATMயில் பணம் எடுக்க சென்ற வடமாநிலத்தை சேர்ந்த வாலிபர் (சந்தன்) மின்சாரம் தாக்கி பலியானார்.#chennairain #FengalCyclone #4000கோடி_என்னாச்சு pic.twitter.com/TX7qxHKpab— Dinesh (@imdineshadmk) November 30, 2024
Cyclone Fengal’s Impact on Chennai
Chennai has been grappling with heavy rainfall due to the cyclone, which is expected to make landfall today. The deluge has caused severe waterlogging across multiple neighborhoods, disrupting daily life and exposing residents to life-threatening hazards such as electrocution from submerged electrical equipment.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall in Chennai and adjoining districts, including Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore, as well as Puducherry. In light of the storm, Chennai International Airport has been shut until 7 PM, grounding flights as a safety precaution.
Casualties and Safety Concerns
The man’s electrocution has raised questions about the safety measures implemented during such extreme weather events. Authorities are investigating the incident, and the police have yet to identify the victim. Meanwhile, Cyclone Fengal, which earlier skirted Sri Lanka, has already claimed 12 lives, including six children, further amplifying concerns about its destructive power.
Climate Change and Increasing Cyclone Intensity
Scientists attribute the intensification of storms like Fengal to climate change. Rising global temperatures, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, are exacerbating the frequency and intensity of cyclones. Coastal cities like Chennai are increasingly vulnerable to such disasters, necessitating robust urban planning and disaster management strategies.
Urgent Action Needed
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for better preparedness to safeguard lives during natural calamities. From ensuring power lines and electrical equipment are insulated to addressing chronic urban flooding, authorities must prioritize citizen safety as extreme weather events become the new normal.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
