Heavy rains lash Tamil Nadu as storm moves northward.
Cyclone Ditwa Skirts Tamil Nadu Coast: Heavy Rains Disrupt Life, Red Alerts Issued
Southern India is currently grappling with severe weather conditions as Cyclone Ditwa makes its presence felt across the Bay of Bengal. The storm system, which previously caused significant damage in Sri Lanka, is currently active off the coast of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. While the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) suggests that the system has lost some of its initial ferocity and a direct landfall is unlikely, the proximity of the storm is causing widespread disruption.
Current Status and Movement
According to the latest IMD bulletins, Cyclone Ditwa is centered near the Vedaranyam coast in Nagapattinam district. The system is projected to move northwards, running parallel to the coastline. Meteorological models indicate that the storm will pass dangerously close to land—within 50 km by Sunday morning and narrowing to just 25 km by the evening—before gradually weakening.
Impact on Daily Life and Transport
The ripple effects of the cyclone are being felt across the transport sector. The Chennai International Airport has reported significant disruptions, with 54 flights cancelled due to adverse weather conditions and strong crosswinds. Rail passengers are also facing delays, although officials note that wind speeds on the critical Pamban Bridge have reduced enough to allow traffic to Rameswaram to resume shortly.
In coastal areas, the situation remains volatile. Rough sea conditions have led to the destruction of mechanised fishing boats in Mandapam and road damage due to erosion. In Vedaranyam, the local economy has taken a hit with nearly 9,000 acres of salt pans submerged under rainwater.
Warnings and Government Preparedness
The administration has placed several districts, including Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Villuppuram, and the Puducherry–Karaikal region, under a 'Red Alert' for extremely heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, Chennai and surrounding areas like Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur are under an 'Orange Alert'.
Tamil Nadu’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, K. Ramachandran, assured the public that the state is prepared for any eventuality. “We have mobilized 28 disaster response teams, including personnel from the SDRF and NDRF, to vulnerable locations. We are also coordinating with the Indian Air Force and Coast Guard for emergency support,” he stated.
Nearly 6,000 relief camps have been established to shelter those in low-lying areas. While no human casualties have been reported so far, there has been some damage to livestock and huts. Authorities are also managing water levels carefully, releasing surplus water from the Chembarambakkam and Poondi reservoirs into the sea to prevent dam overflows.
Tourists are strictly advised to avoid the coastal town of Dhanushkodi. The storm, named ‘Ditwa’ by Yemen after a lagoon, serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of the northeast monsoon season.
