The coastal city of Chennai is bracing for a severe weather onslaught as Cyclone Ditwah intensifies over the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Chennai and several coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, signaling the high likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall and destructive winds. In a preemptive move to ensure public safety, the state government has ordered the closure of all educational institutions, including schools and colleges, across the affected regions.
Cyclone Ditwah's Path and Intensity
According to the latest IMD bulletin, Cyclone Ditwah is currently churning over the southwest Bay of Bengal and is expected to move northwestwards, skirting the Tamil Nadu coast. The system is predicted to bring widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025. Some isolated areas, particularly in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu, are likely to experience extremely heavy downpours exceeding 204.5 mm. The cyclone is also expected to generate squally winds with speeds reaching 55-65 kmph, gusting up to 75 kmph along the coast.
Precautionary Measures and Official Response
The Tamil Nadu government has activated its disaster management protocols in response to the IMD's severe weather warning. The decision to shut down schools and colleges aims to prevent any untoward incidents involving students and staff. Authorities have urged residents, especially those in low-lying areas, to exercise extreme caution and avoid venturing near the sea or into waterlogged zones.
Key actions taken include:
- Closure of all educational institutions in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts.
- Deployment of disaster response teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), in vulnerable locations.
- Continuous monitoring of water levels in reservoirs and lakes to manage discharge and prevent flooding.
- Advisories issued to fishermen, urging them not to venture into the sea until the cyclone warning is lifted.
Impact on Daily Life and Further Outlook
The red alert has significantly disrupted daily life in the capital city and its neighboring districts. Public transportation services, including suburban trains and bus routes in low-lying areas, are being closely monitored and may face suspensions if conditions deteriorate. The heavy rainfall warning extends beyond the immediate cyclone landfall, with forecasts predicting continued showers for the rest of the week, potentially leading to waterlogging and traffic snarls.
Residents are advised to stay updated with official weather bulletins from the IMD and follow instructions from local authorities. The government has also set up emergency control rooms where citizens can report distress or seek assistance. This event underscores the increasing frequency of intense cyclonic activity in the Bay of Bengal region, highlighting the critical need for robust urban infrastructure and community preparedness to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters.
