Cyclone Ditwah Intensifies, Threatens Tamil Nadu Coast
The India Meteorological Department has escalated weather warnings as Cyclone Ditwah gains strength over the Bay of Bengal. The storm, which rapidly developed from a depression within 24 hours, now poses a significant threat to coastal regions of Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh.
As of Thursday evening, the cyclonic system was positioned approximately 670 kilometers south-southeast of Chennai, already generating torrential rainfall across Sri Lanka. Meteorological officials confirm the storm's northward movement toward the Tamil Nadu coastline.
District-wise Alert Status and Rainfall Predictions
IMD has issued its highest-level red alert for November 28-29 across delta regions and specific northern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu. This warning indicates the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 centimeters within 24 hours.
Chengalpet features among six districts under red alert on November 29, where isolated locations might experience catastrophic rainfall levels. The following day, November 30, will see Chennai, Chengalpet, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet facing heavy to very heavy precipitation.
Neighboring districts remain under orange alert for November 29-30, anticipating rainfall between 12-20 centimeters. The rainfall pattern is expected to commence in delta districts before progressing northward.
Coastal and adjacent districts including Villupuram, Cuddalore, Tiruvannamalai, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Ramanathapuram, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, and Pudukkottai also face substantial risk of very heavy rainfall.
Government Response and Safety Measures
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has initiated comprehensive disaster preparedness protocols. During a review meeting at the Secretariat, Stalin directed all departments including revenue, police, fire and rescue, fisheries, health, and local bodies to coordinate efforts in managing the cyclone impact.
Emergency response teams have been mobilized across vulnerable regions. Authorities strongly advise residents to secure property, avoid flood-prone areas, and refrain from unnecessary travel during the alert period. Citizens are urged to monitor official advisories closely as the situation develops.
The storm's influence extends beyond Tamil Nadu, with Bengaluru receiving a yellow alert as Cyclone Ditwah-associated weather systems move north-northwest from the southwest Bay of Bengal. The cyclone effect is projected to impact north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh by November 30.
Meteorologists predict widespread light to moderate rainfall across south-interior Karnataka, including Bengaluru, over the next three days. The city already experienced operational disruptions at Kempegowda International Airport due to reduced visibility from dense fog, though the IMD hasn't issued severe weather warnings specifically for the airport conditions.
Fishermen and coastal communities have been alerted about potentially strong winds along the storm's trajectory, with gusts potentially reaching 90 kmph and coastal surface winds of 40-50 kmph in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal regions.
