New Delhi: Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry are bracing for more intense rainfall as Cyclone Ditwah moves steadily toward the Indian coastline, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Friday. A red alert has been issued for all three regions in view of the worsening weather conditions.
IMD Director General Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the cyclone is currently positioned over the Bay of Bengal near Sri Lanka and is moving in a north-northwest direction.
“By midnight, it will be centred about 60 kilometres off the coast of Tamil Nadu,” Dr Mohapatra told NDTV.
Under the cyclone’s influence, sea winds around Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have intensified to 70–80 km per hour, with gusts reaching up to 90 km per hour. IMD projections indicate that the system will pass around 50 kilometres off the coast of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry by tomorrow morning, with its effects lasting until the evening.
Heavy Rains Continue; Structural Damage Unlikely, Says IMD
According to the IMD chief, widespread heavy rainfall has already been recorded in coastal Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry over the past 24 hours.
While major structural damage is not expected, Dr Mohapatra noted that the cyclone could cause harm to standing crops, especially in low-lying areas.
“People in these regions should avoid venturing out unless absolutely necessary. Flooding and waterlogging in low-lying areas are possible,” he cautioned.
Kerala may also witness isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall due to the extended impact of the weather system.
High Waves, Stormy Sea Conditions; Fishermen Warned to Stay Ashore
Fishermen in all affected coastal states have been advised to stay away from the sea, as conditions remain extremely unsafe.
“Sea winds have reached speeds of 50–60 kilometres per hour near Andhra Pradesh’s coastal areas. Waves of up to 8 meters are being recorded near the shores of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry,” Dr Mohapatra said.
He urged local administrations and coastal residents to remain on high alert as the cyclone advances.
Why the Name ‘Ditwah’?
The cyclone has been named ‘Ditwah’, a term suggested by Yemen. It refers to Detwah Lagoon, a large saline lagoon located on the northwest coast of Yemen’s Socotra island—an area renowned for its unique biodiversity and turquoise waters.