CHENNAI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert as cyclonic storm Ditwah over the southwest Bay of Bengal moved northwards at seven kmph, posing a severe threat to northern Tamil Nadu,
Puducherry, and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts.
At 8:30 PM IST, the storm was centred near latitude 10.5°N and longitude 80.6°E, approximately 110 km northeast of Jaffna (Sri Lanka), 80 km east of Vedaranniyam, 100 km east-southeast of Karaikal, 180 km south-southeast of Puducherry, and 280 km south of Chennai. It is expected to move north-northwestwards and reach the southwest Bay of Bengal near the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast by the early morning of November 30.
Top 10 Developments On Cyclone Ditwah
Cyclone closing in on coastlineThe IMD has warned that the cyclone will come within 60 km, 50 km, and 25 km of the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline by midnight today, early morning, and evening of tomorrow, respectively.
Red alert for extreme rainfallHeavy to very heavy rainfall is expected across multiple districts, with extremely heavy rain forecast for Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Villuppuram, Chengalpattu, and Puducherry–Karaikal.
Widespread showers in central and north TNThanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet are likely to receive heavy rainfall, while Vellore, Dharmapuri, Dindigul, and Theni may see isolated significant showers.
IMD issues strict safety advisoryResidents have been asked to stay indoors, avoid coastal areas, and follow instructions from district authorities. Fishermen have been strictly warned not to venture into the sea.
Air India issues travel alertAir India released a travel advisory cautioning flyers about possible flight disruptions due to the cyclone. Passengers have been urged to check flight status before leaving for the airport.
Cyclone to weaken on MondayThe weather system is expected to come within 25 km of the coast on Sunday evening before weakening into a deep depression by Monday morning, according to IMD.
Puducherry enforces early closure of liquor shopsThe Puducherry District Collector ordered all liquor shops and bars to shut by 8 pm, as part of precautionary measures ahead of expected severe weather.
Chennai activates flood-mitigation planThe GCC has deployed flood-control teams, readied 215 relief centres and 111 kitchens, and activated its 24×7 helpline (1913). Residents have been asked to avoid stepping out during intense rain and wind.
NDRF & SDRF teams deployed across Tamil NaduRevenue Minister KKSSR Ramachandran confirmed that 12 NDRF teams and 16 SDRF teams are positioned across rain-hit districts. 13 relief camps have been set up in Ramanathapuram, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Villupuram.
Cyclone’s devastation in Sri Lanka raises alarmBefore nearing India, Cyclone Ditwah claimed 123 lives in Sri Lanka, left 130 missing, destroyed 15,000 homes, and displaced 44,000 people, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
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