Storm weakens near coast causing rain and major disruption.
Although Cyclone Ditwah has lost some of its initial ferocity, weakening into a deep depression late Sunday, it continues to impact life across the southern coast of India. According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), the weather system moved dangerously close to the land, hovering just 20 kilometers off the coastline of North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry by the early hours of Monday.
While India braces for heavy showers, the storm has already left a tragic legacy in neighboring Sri Lanka. Disaster management officials there have reported a heartbreaking death toll of 334, with over 300 individuals still unaccounted for following the cyclone’s catastrophic landfall. In response to the humanitarian crisis, India has dispatched aid to support ongoing rescue missions in the island nation.
Impact on Tamil Nadu and Chennai
Back home, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a red alert for several coastal districts, including Cuddalore, Puducherry, and the state capital, Chennai. Residents in Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, and Chengalpattu have been warned to expect extremely heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours, accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 80 kmph. Fishermen have been strongly advised to stay ashore until the sea conditions stabilize.
Chennai has witnessed steady rainfall, bringing relief from the humid weather but also anxiety regarding potential waterlogging. While the city avoided severe flooding on Sunday, areas like Ennore recorded significant rainfall of over 5.5 cm. Civic authorities are not taking any chances; the Greater Chennai Corporation has mobilized a massive workforce of 22,000 personnel. They have already cleared uprooted trees, pumped out stagnant water from key roads, and set up medical camps in vulnerable zones like Velachery and Adyar.
Casualties and Agricultural Loss
Despite the precautionary measures, the weather system has claimed lives. Three people have died in Tamil Nadu due to rain-related incidents, including wall collapses and electrocution. The agricultural sector has also taken a severe hit, with reports indicating that more than 57,000 hectares of crops in the Cauvery delta region are currently underwater.
Southern Railway has implemented emergency protocols to ensure passenger safety along the coastal routes. While meteorologists predict the system will weaken further, cloud bands associated with Cyclone Ditwah are expected to keep the skies grey and wet through Monday.
Interestingly, the name 'Ditwah' was contributed by Yemen and refers to a serene saltwater lagoon—a stark contrast to the chaos this storm has unleashed across the Bay of Bengal.
