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Cyclone Ditwah is moving toward the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coastline, prompting a red alert for several districts. The IMD warns of extremely heavy rainfall, gale-force winds up to 90 kmph, flooding, and damage to crops and infrastructure.
Cyclone Ditwah Approaches Tamil Nadu Coast; Red Alert Issued
Chennai: As Cyclone Ditvaah approaches the northern Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast, widespread alert has been raised across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for several districts in Tamil Nadu on Saturday. The cyclone is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, urban flooding, and damage to coastal areas. The system is currently active near Sri Lanka and over the southwest Bay of Bengal and is expected to intensify further.
According to the latest IMD bulletin, Cyclone Ditvaah has begun moving in a north-northwest direction and is expected to approach the coasts of northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh by the morning of November 30.
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IMD chief Dr Mrityunjay Mahapatra stated that the cyclone will exit Sri Lanka on the morning of November 29 and re-enter the Bay of Bengal, where it is expected to weaken and strengthen. The Meteorological Department is continuously monitoring its path and intensity.
Extremely heavy rainfall is expected in many parts of coastal Tamil Nadu on Saturday. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected at many places and light to moderate rainfall in some areas. The Regional Meteorological Center has issued a red alert for Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Chengalpattu, and Puducherry. These districts are likely to experience heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours.
A strong wind warning has also been issued. According to the IMD, from Saturday morning to Sunday morning, wind speeds along the North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts will be 70-80 kmph, with gusts reaching 90 kmph. This poses a risk of uprooting trees, damaging tin roofs, and weakening houses.
The IMD has issued a warning stating that the heavy rainfall may cause waterlogging and localized flooding in coastal and urban areas. The risk of flooding in low-lying areas has increased. Flash flood-like conditions are possible in hilly areas.
In addition, strong winds could impact billboards, electric poles, and weak structures. The department also stated that the storm could cause "significant damage" to crops, especially those in the ripening stage. Horticulture and floriculture are also likely to be severely affected.
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Light to moderate rainfall is expected at many places in Kerala on Saturday, with heavy rainfall in some areas.
Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema are likely to receive moderate to heavy rainfall on Saturday, while heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is forecast on Sunday.
Light to moderate rainfall is possible at many places in Telangana on Sunday, with heavy rainfall at some places.
The IMD stated that the intensity of rainfall will gradually decrease from December 1 as the cyclone approaches the coast and makes landfall. However, till then the states have been directed to maintain high alert and the administration to keep all disaster management resources ready.
