Cyclone Fengal caused chaos in Chennai as an IndiGo flight narrowly avoided disaster during landing. Read the viral story and updates on relief efforts.
Cyclone Fengal: IndiGo Flight Struggles to Land in Chennai Amid Severe Storm
Cyclone Fengal, a severe cyclonic storm, brought significant challenges to Chennai and surrounding regions after making landfall on Puducherry’s coast on Saturday night. Among the many disruptions caused by the storm, an IndiGo Airbus A320neo narrowly avoided disaster while attempting to land at Chennai Airport. A video of the incident has gone viral, capturing the heart-stopping moments as the aircraft struggled against powerful crosswinds before executing a go-around maneuver.
The Incident: A Narrow Escape
The viral video showcases the IndiGo flight attempting to land during Cyclone Fengal’s peak intensity. The plane briefly touched the runway, swayed sharply to the left, and came within inches of its wings hitting the ground before taking off again.
An aviation expert shared the video on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “This could have ended badly in Chennai. An Airbus A320neo of IndiGo Airlines struggled to touch down as Cyclone Fengal made landfall and opted for a go-around.”
The incident sparked widespread reactions:
- “The crosswinds must have been crazy. Super lucky escape!” commented one user.
- Another wrote, “Horrific decision from the pilot. A go-around should have been the first call.”
- A third added, “As the saying goes, it’s better to walk away from a bad landing than to be carried away from a good one.”
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and flight operations resumed at Chennai Airport on Sunday morning once weather conditions improved.
Cyclone Fengal’s Impact on Chennai and Puducherry
Cyclone Fengal made landfall near Puducherry around 11:30 PM on Saturday, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and widespread disruptions. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone remained stationary over Puducherry for over six hours, causing severe weather conditions in Chennai and nearby areas.
Key Impacts:
- Airport Shutdown: Chennai Airport was closed until 4 AM on December 1 as a precautionary measure.
- Flood Risk: IMD warned of moderate to high flash flood risks in watersheds and low-lying areas over the next 24 hours.
- Relief Efforts:
- The Greater Chennai Corporation provided food to 2,32,200 residents.
- Nearly 200 people were housed in eight relief camps set up for evacuees from vulnerable areas.
- Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin confirmed that all 386 Amma Canteens in Chennai were distributing food free of cost.
Viral Reaction to the IndiGo Incident
The footage of the IndiGo flight has garnered over 86,000 views on X, sparking debates about aviation safety during severe weather. While some applauded the pilot’s decision to abort the landing, others questioned why the attempt was made under such conditions.
Aviation analysts explained that a “go-around” is a standard safety procedure used during poor visibility or adverse weather. The pilot’s quick response likely averted a potential disaster.
Chennai’s Preparedness and Relief Measures
The Chennai administration swiftly mobilized resources to mitigate the cyclone’s effects. Teams worked around the clock to clear waterlogged roads and restore power in affected areas. In collaboration with the Tamil Nadu government, the city also ensured essential supplies were distributed to those in need.
Measures Taken:
- Shelter and Food: Relief camps provided safe housing and meals for displaced families.
- Healthcare Services: Medical teams were deployed in vulnerable areas to handle emergencies.
- Public Safety Alerts: Authorities issued real-time updates through mobile alerts and social media, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Lessons from Cyclone Fengal
Cyclone Fengal underscores the importance of disaster preparedness and adaptive response strategies. While nature’s fury is inevitable, effective planning can significantly mitigate risks.
Key Takeaways:
- Airport Protocols: The timely closure of Chennai Airport prevented further incidents.
- Public Awareness: Proactive communication helped minimize casualties and ensured public safety.
- Technology in Aviation: Advanced aircraft systems and pilot training played a crucial role in averting a potential crash during the IndiGo incident.
