Cyclone Ditwah is rapidly advancing towards the north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts, with landfall expected by early morning on Sunday, November 30. The cyclonic storm, which has already caused widespread devastation and over 120 deaths in Sri Lanka, is forecast to bring heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and strong, damaging winds to India’s eastern coast.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe warning, classifying Ditwah as a cyclonic storm with maximum sustained winds expected to reach 70-80 kmph, gusting up to 90 kmph, as it nears the coast. IMD Director General of Meteorology, Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, confirmed that the system is moving north-northwestward and is likely to intensify slightly after emerging from the coastal areas of Sri Lanka and entering the southwest Bay of Bengal.
Massive Impact and Preparedness
Authorities have issued a Red Alert for four districts of Tamil Nadu—Cuddalore, Chengalpattu, Mayiladuthurai, and Villupuram—along with Puducherry, warning of the highest risk of extremely heavy rainfall (over 20 cm) and the potential for a flood-like situation and storm surges.
Key Impact and Preparedness Measures:
- Aviation Disruption: Chennai Airport authorities have announced the cancellation of at least 54 scheduled flights, including the complete suspension of all IndiGo ATR services to and from Chennai for Saturday, as a precautionary measure against the high winds and heavy rain.
- School Closures: Schools have been reported closed in several impact zones across Tamil Nadu.
- Safety Warning: Sea conditions are expected to remain rough to very rough, and fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the affected parts of the Bay of Bengal until December 1. Citizens in vulnerable areas are urged to stay indoors.
- Operational Readiness: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed multiple teams to vulnerable coastal districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry for rescue and evacuation support.
The IMD anticipates that the system will gradually weaken as it moves northward after November 30. However, the period until Sunday morning remains the most critical for the coastal communities of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.