Puducherry schools and colleges close as Cyclone Fengal brings heavy rainfall

Puducherry has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges today due to heavy rainfall from Cyclone Fengal. The Education Minister announced the closure as the region faces severe weather conditions. The government will provide Rs 5,000 to each ration cardholder affected by the cyclone. Additionally, farmers will receive Rs 30,000 per hectare for damaged crops, as 10,000 hectares have been impacted. Rescue operations are ongoing in flooded areas, particularly NR Nagar, where over 200 homes are inundated. The Indian Army and National Disaster Response Force are assisting stranded residents.