The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised a red alert for several coastal districts of Tamil Nadu as Cyclone Ditwah intensifies over the Bay of Bengal. The cyclone, which formed near Pottuvil approximately 700 kilometres from Chennai, is projected to make landfall on November 30.
How to Track Cyclone Ditwah Live
While the IMD provides crucial alerts days in advance, it does not host a real-time cyclone tracker. Residents in the affected regions can instead rely on third-party platforms like Windy and Zoom Earth to monitor the storm's live location, trajectory, wind speed, and severity in real-time.
IMD Warnings and Forecast
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over northern Tamil Nadu until December 1, with predictions of extremely heavy downpours on November 29 and 30. According to the latest bulletin, Cyclone Ditwah is likely to impact the southwest Bay of Bengal, affecting the northern coasts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh in the early hours of Sunday.
In preparation, cyclone warning signal number two has been hoisted at the Puducherry port, cautioning ships of wind speeds between 60-90 kmph.
Current Impact and Safety Measures
The cyclone has already caused significant disruption, with severe waterlogging reported in several parts of Toothukudi. Many roads and neighbourhoods are submerged, and the area is bracing for another spell of heavy rain.
Authorities have issued stern warnings. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, and farmers have been urged to take necessary precautions. Puducherry District Collector A Kulothungan has advised the public to avoid standing under trees, lamp posts, and old buildings.
For emergencies, people can contact the following numbers: 1077, 1070, 112, or connect with the Disaster Management Authority on WhatsApp at 9488981070. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed eight teams from Arakkonam to Puducherry, accompanied by four search and rescue dogs.
