Cyclone 'Ditwah' is slowly approaching the Tamil Nadu coast, prompting Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to review the state's preparedness on Friday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy rainfall in the southern and Cauvery delta districts between November 29 and 30.
The cyclonic storm, named 'Ditwah' which refers to a lagoon and was suggested by Yemen, was centered over coastal Sri Lanka and the adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal. As of Friday evening, it was moving northwards at a speed of 3 kmph. The storm was located approximately 300 km south-southeast of Karaikal, 410 km south-southeast of Puducherry, and 510 km south-southeast of Chennai. According to the IMD, Cyclone Ditwah is expected to reach North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining South Andhra Pradesh coasts by the early morning of November 30.
In anticipation of the cyclone's impact, IndiGo has announced the cancellation of several flights to and from Jaffna, Puducherry, Tuticorin, and Tiruchirappalli on Saturday, November 29th. The airline has advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
Chief Minister Stalin has directed district collectors to be on high alert and ensure coordinated efforts among various departments, including revenue, local bodies, police, fire and rescue, fisheries, and health. He has also instructed officials to maintain stock of essential items like food and milk, and to take necessary measures to clear floodwater from residential areas. Relief camps are to be set up in areas expected to be affected by the cyclone. Senior officials have been deployed to vulnerable districts to monitor the situation and prevent disruptions, including power outages.
The IMD has issued a red alert for a few districts on November 29 and 30, anticipating extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours. An orange alert is in place for northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts. Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea due to the expected rough conditions. Farmers are advised to take precautions to protect their crops.
Pamban has already experienced strong winds, heavy rain, and rough sea conditions. Waterlogging has been reported in several parts of Thoothukudi due to the heavy rainfall.
Cyclone Ditwah has already caused significant damage in Sri Lanka, with reports of widespread damage and at least 56 fatalities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed condolences to Sri Lanka and offered assistance.
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority has also issued warnings for heavy rains in Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema on Saturday and Sunday. The storm is moving at a speed of 8–10 km per hour and is expected to reach the southwest Bay of Bengal near North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra coastal areas by the early hours of November 30.
