Chennai: Just days after Cyclone Senar, a new weather system, Cyclone ‘Ditwah,’ has formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal, hurtling towards the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued stern warnings, predicting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in the region until December 1, with the storm likely to make landfall near Chennai.
According to the latest IMD bulletin, Cyclone Ditwah is currently situated about 700 km southeast of Chennai and 610 km from Puducherry, southeast of Matagalap in Sri Lanka. The system is expected to intensify further and move on a north-northwestward trajectory over the next 48 hours, increasing the probability of it crossing the coast near Chennai on November 30.
Cyclone Ditwah: Red Alert and extreme weather warnings
In view of the escalating threat, the IMD has sounded a red alert for the entire northern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu. The weather office has forecast very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall on both November 29 and 30.
The cyclone is also packing powerful winds. Chennai and its surrounding areas are likely to experience strong winds with speeds reaching 80 to 90 kmph, gusting up to 100 kmph during the peak of the cyclone’s impact. The sea conditions along the North Tamil Nadu coast are predicted to be very rough and turbulent.
A continuous warning has been issued, advising fishermen not to venture into the sea. Those already out at sea have been urgently advised to return to safe harbours.
Ditwah Cyclone projected landfall and affected regions
Initial forecasts indicate that Cyclone Ditwah will make landfall between the morning and afternoon of November 30. The areas most likely to bear the brunt of the cyclone are Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, and the union territories of Puducherry and Karaikal. Several coastal areas of North Andhra Pradesh are also expected to experience strong winds and heavy rainfall as the cyclone approaches the coast.
Government swing into action with precautionary measures
The state government is closely monitoring the situation and has initiated precautionary measures. Relief forces have been kept on standby, and necessary advisories have been issued to residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas.
District administrations are on high alert, with collectors empowered to announce holidays for schools and colleges based on the evolving situation. The government has urged the public to remain calm, stay updated with official weather bulletins from the IMD, and refrain from spreading or believing in unverified rumours.