Cyclone Fengal brought destruction to parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and other neighboring regions in south India. Rain, flood and landslides disrupted daily life, leaving many areas submerged.
Rescue operations continue as people struggle to recover from the calamity.
Amid it all, social media posts capture the on-ground realities of the cyclone's aftermath.
Historic rainfalls in Uthangarai
A video shared on X (formerly Twitter) reveals the flooded Salem-to-Tirupattur highway near the Uthangarai bus stand. Lakes and ponds of the area are overflowing, and the bus stand resembles a flowing river. The floodwaters have left cars and buses stranded at odd angles, showcasing the intensity of the rain. The overflowing water has left the area unrecognisable.
Waterlogging in Chennai’s Dinesh Nagar area
Another post shows the persistent waterlogging in Mel Ayanambakkam, Dinesh Nagar, Chennai. The video shows buildings with stairs submerged underwater, with residents of area speaking about their frustration over the lack of drainage even 24 hours after the rain stopped. The recurring issue also sheds a light on the city's inability to manage floodwaters during cyclones.
Villupuram power station underwater
Another post from Villupuram district praises the unsung heroes working in disaster management. The video shows the Sornavur substation submerged in waist-deep water, with workers braving the elements to restore power. While power outages are often criticised by residents during such events, this footage sheds light on the risks taken by these individuals to bring normality to the affected regions.
Chennai Marina beach submerged
A Facebook post shows the Marina beach in Chennai completely underwater. Heavy rains continue in the area as seen in the video, making the beach look like part of the ocean.
Torrential rains in Tiruvannamalai
Another video from Tiruvannamalai shows a surreal scene of nonstop rain and strong winds that persisted for over 36 hours. Roads have turned into rivers, wells are overflowing, and the force of the water has even pushed open a school gate. The video sheds light on the magnitude of the cyclone.