The Chennai Meteorological Department has issued a crucial warning about Cyclonic Storm Ditwah, which continues to pose a significant threat to coastal regions after causing devastation in Sri Lanka.
Current Position and Movement
As of Friday morning, the severe weather system was located over coastal Sri Lanka and the adjacent southwest Bay of Bengal. Meteorological data indicates the storm has been moving north-northwest at 10 km/h over the past six hours, bringing it closer to Indian coastal areas.
The latest positioning reports show the cyclone situated at latitude 8.3°N and longitude 81.0°E as of 8:30 am IST. This places it approximately 40 km southwest of Trincomalee and 100 km northwest of Batticaloa in Sri Lanka. From the Indian perspective, the storm lies about 320 km south-southeast of Karaikal, 430 km south-southeast of Puducherry, and 530 km south of Chennai.
Devastating Impact in Sri Lanka
The cyclone has already demonstrated its destructive potential while moving through Sri Lanka on Friday. Official reports confirm the storm has left 46 people dead and 23 missing, according to Reuters. The full extent of damage and potential for further casualties remains uncertain as rescue operations continue.
India's Preparedness Measures
In anticipation of heavy rainfall and potential landfall, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has activated emergency protocols across multiple districts in Tamil Nadu. This proactive deployment follows formal requests from both the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry State Disaster Management Authorities.
The NDRF has mobilized eight specialized teams, each consisting of 30 trained personnel, to strategic locations across vulnerable coastal districts. The deployment distribution includes:
- Two teams (60 personnel) assigned to Puducherry
- One team each deployed to Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukkottai, Cuddalore, and Tiruvarur districts
These teams are equipped to implement precautionary measures and conduct rescue operations as necessary, with their positioning reflecting the anticipated path and impact zone of Cyclone Ditwah.
Ongoing Monitoring and Updates
Meteorological departments continue to track the cyclone's movement closely, with regular updates expected as the situation evolves. Residents in coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are advised to remain alert to official announcements and weather bulletins.
The coordinated response between central and state disaster management agencies demonstrates the seriousness with which authorities are treating this weather emergency. The positioning of NDRF teams in advance of the storm's potential arrival reflects lessons learned from previous cyclone events in the region.
