Seven members of a family, including five children, lost their lives after a huge rock fell on their home in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvannamalai due to the severe weather conditions caused by Cyclone Fengal. Four of the bodies have been recovered and transferred to the hospital. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin announced an ex-gratia of Rs 500,000 for the family.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Tamil Nadu: 7 people, including 5 children, died in Tiruvannamalai when a huge rock fell on their house, following continuous rainfall because of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FengalCyclone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FengalCyclone</a>. 4 bodies have been recovered and sent to the hospital. 
 
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin announced… <a href="https://t.co/7AS6gqPtai">pic.twitter.com/7AS6gqPtai</a>
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Cyclone Fengal brought torrential rains to several districts in Tamil Nadu resulting in widespread destruction. The rescue and relief operations are ongoing for people living in the affected areas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-braces-for-severe-and-harsh-winter-with-la-nina-impact-780883">Jammu and Kashmir braces for severe and harsh winter with La Niña impact</a>

<h2>Fengal wreaked unprecedented havoc</h2>

The state received heavy rainfall, with a record-breaking number equivalent to the average of the entire season, measuring over 500 mm in a single day.

Several districts including Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, and Kallakurichi, are witnessing flooding and serious damage to farm fields and infrastructure.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said the cyclone has wreaked unprecedented havoc in several districts in the state, appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for more funds for the restoration of the affected areas.

“Cyclone Fengal has wreaked unprecedented havoc across 14 districts of Tamil Nadu, affecting 1.5 crore people, inundating 2.11 lakh hectares of farmland, and damaging critical infrastructure. Given the magnitude of destruction, I urge PM Narendra Modi to release Rs 2000 crore from the NDRF immediately to aid emergency restoration and rehabilitation efforts,” CM Stalin wrote on X.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhis-air-quality-improves-slightly-still-in-poor-category-780858">Delhi's air quality improves slightly, but still in ‘poor’ category</a>

<h2>Flights and train operations affected</h2>

The cyclonic storm has resulted in delays in the operation of flights and trains.

Nearly 48 trains passing through Villupuram were delayed. Landslides in several areas resulted in blocked transport routes.

Some districts are also facing disruption in power supply due to the severe weather. A heavy rain warning has been issued in Coimbatore and Nilgiri till December 3.

(With inputs from agencies)

Seven members of a family, including five children, lost their lives after a huge rock fell on their home in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvannamalai due to the severe weather conditions caused by Cyclone Fengal.

Seven members of a family, including five children, lost their lives after a huge rock fell on their home in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvannamalai due to the severe weather conditions caused by Cyclone Fengal. Four of the bodies have been recovered and transferred to the hospital. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin announced an ex-gratia of Rs 500,000 for the family. #WATCH | Tamil Nadu: 7 people, including 5 children, died in Tiruvannamalai when a huge rock fell on their house, following continuous rainfall because of #FengalCyclone. 4 bodies have been recovered and sent to the hospital. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin announced… pic.twitter.com/7AS6gqPtai — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2024 × Cyclone Fengal brought torrential rains to several districts in Tamil Nadu resulting in widespread destruction. The rescue and relief operations are ongoing for people living in the affected areas. Also read | Jammu and Kashmir braces for severe and harsh winter with La Niña impact Fengal wreaked unprecedented havoc The state received heavy rainfall, with a record-breaking number equivalent to the average of the entire season, measuring over 500 mm in a single day. Several districts including Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, and Kallakurichi, are witnessing flooding and serious damage to farm fields and infrastructure. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said the cyclone has wreaked unprecedented havoc in several districts in the state, appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for more funds for the restoration of the affected areas. “Cyclone Fengal has wreaked unprecedented havoc across 14 districts of Tamil Nadu, affecting 1.5 crore people, inundating 2.11 lakh hectares of farmland, and damaging critical infrastructure. Given the magnitude of destruction, I urge PM Narendra Modi to release Rs 2000 crore from the NDRF immediately to aid emergency restoration and rehabilitation efforts,” CM Stalin wrote on X. Also read | Delhi's air quality improves slightly, but still in ‘poor’ category Flights and train operations affected The cyclonic storm has resulted in delays in the operation of flights and trains. Nearly 48 trains passing through Villupuram were delayed. Landslides in several areas resulted in blocked transport routes. Some districts are also facing disruption in power supply due to the severe weather. A heavy rain warning has been issued in Coimbatore and Nilgiri till December 3. (With inputs from agencies)

Cyclone Fengal: 7 family members die in landslide in Tamil Nadu; heavy rains wreak havoc | Video

With Cyclonic Storm 'Fengal' approaching the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, a senior IMD official said that there was will be fairly widespread moderate rainfall in most of the parts of the state.

With Cyclonic Storm 'Fengal' approaching the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, a senior IMD official said that there was will be fairly widespread moderate rainfall in most of the parts of the state. Chennai Regional Meteorological Centre Director S Balachandran told ANI that the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal now lies at about 310 km southeast of Nagapattinam and 410 km southeast of Puducherry and south-southeast of Chennai at about 480 km. "It is likely to move north-northwestward and likely to cross between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram by the morning of the 30th morning. Under the influence of this system, rainfall is likely to occur in the next 2-3 days, fairly widespread moderate rainfall in most of the parts of Tamil Nadu," he said. "As far as heavy rainfall is concerned, next 24 hours, one-two places in Delta districts, Chengalpattu and Viluppuram are going to experience it. Tomorrow, one-two places in Delta districts and Viluppuram, Cuddalore, Puducherry and Chengalpattu will receive extremely heavy rainfall," he added. The IMD official also advised fishermen not to venture into the sea up to November 31. Also read: Thanksgiving bomb threats target multiple Dems in the US state of Connecticut Meanwhile, the Indian Navy has activated a comprehensive disaster response plan as Cyclone Fengal intensifies in the Bay of Bengal.The Eastern Naval Command, in coordination with Headquarters Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area (HQTN&P), has activated a robust disaster response mechanism to mitigate the cyclone's potential effects. Focusing on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, naval authorities are working closely with state and civil administrations to ensure rapid response capabilities. Vehicles are being loaded with essential relief materials, including food, drinking water, and medicines, while specialized Flood Relief Teams (FRTs) are being positioned in vulnerable areas. Cyclone Fengal, which is forecast to intensify within the next 48 hours, is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible flooding to Tamil Nadu's coastal regions. Authorities have urged residents in low-lying and coastal areas to remain vigilant and adhere to safety advisories. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Cyclone Fengal: IMD warns of heavy rain and flooding risks in Tamil Nadu, Indian Navy on high alert

Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to sign an executive order that would bar transgender individuals from serving in the military, potentially as early as his first day back in office.

Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to sign an executive order that would bar transgender individuals from serving in the military, potentially as early as his first day back in office. The order, expected to follow his inauguration on 20 January, would also result in the medical discharge of thousands of currently serving transgender personnel. As per a report by The Sunday Times, defence sources estimate that approximately 15,000 transgender service members could be medically discharged, effectively deeming them unfit for military duty. This comes as Trump continues to criticise what he calls “woke” policies in the armed forces, claiming some senior officers prioritise diversity and inclusion over military readiness. Also read: 'Israel, Lebanon on verge of ceasefire deal to end Israel-Hezbollah conflict' A source cited by the report said that transgender people will be "forced out at a time when the military can’t recruit enough people.” They added that only the Marine Corps is meeting recruitment targets and warned that some of the ones likely to be affected hold senior roles. The report follows Trump’s nomination of Pete Hegseth, a former major in the US National Guard and Fox News host, as his defence secretary. Hegseth has been outspoken in his criticism of what he terms “weak” leadership in the military. In his recent book, he called for “housecleaning” within the ranks and called the medical care provided to transgender personnel an unnecessary expense for the Pentagon. This would not be Trump’s first move against transgender individuals in the military. During his first term, he declared that transgender people would no longer be allowed to serve, citing “tremendous medical costs and disruption.” That policy, announced by Trump in 2017, came into effect in 2019 before being reversed by President Joe Biden. Biden’s reversal allowed transgender individuals to serve once more, but Trump is now expected to not only reinstate the ban but go further by discharging those currently serving. Also read: From picking Vance to blocking Pompeo, Trump junior is calling shots in US transition process This anticipated executive order is just one of many actions Trump plans to take upon returning to office. His proposed measures include significant changes to immigration policies and other controversial initiatives likely to face strong opposition. During his campaign, Trump vowed to roll back civil rights protections for LGBT+ individuals, block transgender students from participating in sports or using facilities aligned with their gender, and ban gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth across the United States. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Navy, Coast Guard, NDRF on alert over brewing Cyclone Fengal

The Indian meteorological department has issued a heavy rainfall warning for parts of Tamil Nadu, saying the depression over the southwest bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression, and is likely to develop into a cyclonic storm today. If the depression becomes a cyclone, it will be called ‘Fengal’. Watch in for more details!