Cyclone Ditwah has weakened into a deep depression after making a catastrophic landfall in Sri Lanka, but continues to unleash heavy rainfall and cause significant disruption across the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The storm's fury in Sri Lanka has resulted in a tragic death toll of 334, with over 300 individuals still missing, according to local disaster management authorities.
Storm's Path and Immediate Aftermath
The system, which hovered over the southwest Bay of Bengal, passed within 20 kilometers of the North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coastline by the early hours of Monday, as reported by the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC). While it has lost some intensity, the cyclone's legacy is one of severe devastation in Sri Lanka, prompting India to deploy assistance for rescue and relief operations in the neighboring country.
In response to the threat, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red warning for the coastal districts of Cuddalore, Chennai, Puducherry, and parts of Andhra Pradesh. The forecast predicts extremely heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours in several districts, including Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Chengalpattu, and Ranipet. Fishermen have been strongly advised to remain ashore as wind speeds could gust up to 80 kilometers per hour.
Impact on Tamil Nadu and Chennai's Preparedness
Chennai experienced steady, moderate rainfall, alleviating initial fears of catastrophic flooding. Data from the Greater Chennai Corporation recorded an average of 3 cm of rain in the 24 hours ending Sunday morning, with Ennore receiving the highest at 5.58 cm. Despite the relatively calm conditions, city authorities were not complacent.
Local civic bodies mobilized over 22,000 workers to manage the situation. Their efforts included clearing seven uprooted trees, pumping out stagnant water from major roads like Thiruvottiyur High Road, and distributing more than 32,500 food packets, primarily in vulnerable, low-lying areas such as Adyar, Velachery, and Sholinganallur. Additionally, 20 medical camps were established across the city.
Casualties, Damage, and Ongoing Warnings
The cyclone's effects turned deadly in other parts of Tamil Nadu. Officials confirmed three rain-related fatalities: two from wall collapses in Tuticorin and Thanjavur, and one electrocution in Mayiladuthurai. The agricultural sector has also been hit hard, with more than 57,000 hectares of farmland inundated across the crucial Cauvery delta region.
As a precaution, Southern Railway activated its emergency preparedness plan to safeguard infrastructure and ensure passenger safety, particularly along the vulnerable coastal corridor. Although Cyclone Ditwah is expected to weaken further, meteorologists warn that its cloud bands may continue to fuel significant rainfall through Monday morning.
The name 'Ditwah', suggested by Yemen, ironically means a calm saltwater lagoon—a stark contrast to the trail of destruction this storm has left behind in both Sri Lanka and parts of southern India.
