As cyclonic storm 'Fengal' approaches Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, heavy rain and strong winds have disrupted normal life in the region. Flight operations, public transport, and schools and colleges have been affected, with the IMD issuing a red alert for heavy rain. As a precautionary measure, the Tamil Nadu government has closed schools and asked IT firms to allow work from home for their employees. Cyclone Fengal is expected to make landfall near Puducherry around midday.
Cyclone Fengal: Threatens Tamil Nadu and Puducherry with Heavy Rain and Winds
Cyclone Fengal, a severe cyclonic storm, is approaching Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, bringing with it heavy rains, strong winds, and potential flooding. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the region, warning of extremely heavy rainfall and rough seas.
Background
Cyclones are rotating, low-pressure storm systems that form over warm ocean waters. They are characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall. Cyclones are common in the Bay of Bengal during the summer months, with the peak season occurring from April to December.
Impact of Cyclone Fengal
As Cyclone Fengal approaches land, it is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The IMD has predicted that rainfall could reach up to 20 centimeters (8 inches) in some areas. The storm is also expected to cause storm surges, flooding low-lying areas near the coast.
Precautionary Measures
Authorities in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have taken precautionary measures to minimize the impact of Cyclone Fengal. Schools and colleges have been closed, and public transport has been suspended. The Tamil Nadu government has also advised IT firms to allow employees to work from home.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the expected landfall time and location of Cyclone Fengal?
Cyclone Fengal is expected to make landfall near Puducherry around midday.
2. What is the intensity of Cyclone Fengal?
Cyclone Fengal is a severe cyclonic storm, with wind speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour (75 miles per hour).
3. What areas are most at risk from Cyclone Fengal?
The coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are most at risk from Cyclone Fengal. These areas include Chennai, Cuddalore, and Karaikal.
4. What precautions should people in affected areas take?
People in affected areas should stay indoors and away from windows. They should also secure loose objects and be prepared for flooding.
5. Has Cyclone Fengal caused any damage or casualties?
As of the latest reports, there have been no reports of damage or casualties caused by Cyclone Fengal. However, the storm is still approaching land, and the full extent of its impact may not be known until after it makes landfall.
Conclusion
Cyclone Fengal poses a significant threat to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Residents in affected areas should take necessary precautions to stay safe and minimize the impact of the storm. The IMD will continue to monitor the storm's progress and provide updates as needed.
Mid-December marks the peak of the annual Geminid meteor shower, where the skies come alive with bright and abundant shooting stars. Unlike most meteor showers, the Geminids are caused by debris from an asteroid, and can appear in multiple colors like white, yellow, green, red, and blue. You won't need any special equipment to witness this spectacular event, so mark your calendars for December 13-14 to catch a glimpse of the dazzling Geminids.
The US Department of Agriculture has announced new measures to monitor the spread of bird flu among dairy cows, following concerns over its impact on poultry and dairy herds. With over 400 dairy herds affected, the virus was found in cows earlier this year, sparking concerns of its spread through the milk supply. The USDA's decision includes testing lactating cows and restricting their interstate movement, as well as ongoing measures to ensure the safety of pasteurized milk for human consumption.
According to a recent study by scientists at the University of South Florida and Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute, the high consumption of ultra-processed foods, such as potato chips and ready-made meals, may be causing chronic inflammation, suppressing the immune system and fueling the growth of colon cancer tumors. The study found a significantly higher number of lipids in these tumors, which are produced by the breakdown of processed foods and promote inflammation. The research also suggests that incorporating omega-3 fatty acids from natural sources, such as avocados and olive oil, may offer new potential for treatments to combat colon cancer. However, the transition away from processed foods will not be an easy one as they are often laden with unhealthy ingredients like sugar, saturated fats and seed oils.
The 10th World Ayurveda Congress and AROGYA Expo, attended by delegates from 54 countries, highlighted the potential of Ayurveda to revolutionize global healthcare systems. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a new blueprint to promote Ayurveda globally, while Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami praised the event's role in combining Ayurveda and Yoga. Union Minister of State for AYUSH, Prataprao Jadhav, emphasized the surge in AYUSH production and global outreach, showcasing a blend of tradition and modern technology.
The recent discovery of 56 enigmatic "UFO galaxies" by the JWST telescope has opened up new possibilities for exploring the secrets of the universe. These red, disc-shaped galaxies were hidden by thick layers of dust and debris, and their unique appearance challenges current understandings of galaxy formation. Astronomers have found that these UFO galaxies share structural similarities with the Milky Way, but contain 50 times more dust. This groundbreaking discovery throws light on the mysterious processes that lead to the creation of cosmic structures and highlights the need for further exploration of the cosmos.
Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery by detecting a hot bubble of gas, comparable to Earth's heliosphere, around a sun-like star. This bubble, created by the star's stellar wind, can potentially shield planets from harmful cosmic rays. This first-of-its-kind observation provides valuable insights into the formation of planetary systems and could offer clues about habitability in other parts of the universe.
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have surpassed 500 days in space while serving as the commander and flight engineer of the Expedition 72 crew on the International Space Station. They have been conducting research and experiments, including growing crops and giving haircuts using special tools. Williams also shared her daily routine in space, which includes a citrus fruit salad and Indian food that can be heated up in space.
Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, a renowned cardiologist, warns about the worsening air pollution in India and its serious consequences on people's health. He compares it to a seasonal concern turned year-round crisis and states that pollution will have a more significant impact on Indians due to their genetic predisposition for heart disease and diabetes. Despite a lack of data, he believes that prolonged exposure to even moderate levels of pollution will have severe consequences on people's health, and immediate action needs to be taken to prevent irreparable damage.
A new algorithm has been developed to accurately determine a researcher's h-index, a measure of their scientific impact. This index is calculated by determining how many papers the researcher has with at least the same number of citations. With this new calculation method, scientists can have a more precise understanding of their research impact and progress in their field. Further advancements in this algorithm could lead to more insightful evaluations of a researcher's work.
A growing amount of research suggests that practicing meditation may help individuals become more aware of their implicit biases and act with more compassion. Studies have found that just 10 minutes of mindfulness meditation can reduce the automatic activation of negative associations when exposed to different races. This has implications for promoting equity and reducing discrimination in areas such as policing, healthcare, and the workplace. Psychologist Adam Lueke's research specifically focuses on the effects of mindfulness meditation on reducing implicit bias for race and age.