Due to the impact of Cyclone Ditvah, 54 flights canceled in Tamil Nadu, schools closed in many districts, and warning of heavy rain issued. After 123 deaths in Sri Lanka, India sent relief under Operation Sagar Bandhu. Alert issued in coastal areas.
New Delhi. The impact of Cyclone Ditvaah in Tamil Nadu is increasing every hour. People in Chennai, Puducherry and coastal districts are in an atmosphere of constant fear and uncertainty. After the alert from the Meteorological Department on Saturday morning, the situation started deteriorating rapidly. Strong winds, heavy rains and rough seas indicate that the coming 48 hours are going to be very challenging. Chennai Airport canceled 54 flights in view of security. Schools and colleges were closed. Railways stopped many trains midway and sent passengers further through buses. Fishermen in coastal areas are strictly prohibited from going into the sea. But the biggest question is why is Cyclone Ditvah becoming so dangerous? And why suddenly there was a need to take such big decisions?
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Where is Cyclone Ditvah and how is it progressing?
Cyclone Ditvaha is currently present over south-west Bay of Bengal and northern Sri Lanka. According to IMD, in the last 6 hours it has moved towards north-northwest at a speed of about 8 kmph. As of 8:30 am on Saturday, it was 280 km from Puducherry and about 380 km from Chennai. There are indications of it becoming stronger in the next 24 hours. IMD estimates that this system will reach very close to the Tamil Nadu coast between tonight and tomorrow.
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Strong winds made the situation worse?
At present the wind speed in coastal areas is 50-60 kmph, which can increase to 70-80 kmph and sometimes up to 90 kmph. Such strong winds are enough to topple trees, damage power lines and swell the sea.
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Why were 54 flights cancelled? Could the situation get worse?
The cyclone has had the biggest impact on air services in Tamil Nadu. Chennai airport administration took a big decision in view of IMD’s warning – 54 flights were canceled from Saturday morning till night.
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Flights at which places were affected?
- Madurai
- Tiruchirappalli
- Thoothukudi
- Salem
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
- Jaffna (Sri Lanka)
ATR-type small regional flights were the highest security risk, so they were prevented as a priority. Airlines have asked passengers not to come to the airport at the last moment, as the situation may change suddenly.
Will more flights be canceled?
IMD says that rain and winds will become more intense in the next 24 hours, so this possibility cannot be ruled out.
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Will schools and colleges remain closed in Tamil Nadu? In which districts was the holiday observed?
The biggest direct impact of Cyclone Ditvah was also seen on the education system. Schools and colleges have been closed in many districts.
In which districts schools and colleges are closed today?
- Perambalur
- Thiruvarur
- Nagapattinam
- Mayiladuthurai
- Cuddalore
- Kallakurichi
- pudukottai
- Puducherry
- karaikal
Where only schools closed:
- Villupuram
- Thanjavur
- Tiruchi
- Pondicherry Central University has also postponed all examinations.
This decision was taken after the Coast Guard warned that the impact of the cyclone could be dangerous in the next 48 hours.
123 deaths in Sri Lanka: Can the situation be this bad in Tamil Nadu too?
The most devastating effect of Cyclone Ditvaha has been seen in Sri Lanka. According to Disaster Management Centre:
- 123 people died
- 130 people missing
- 43,995 people in relief centers
Heavy rains, floods and landslides have devastated many areas. The Tamil Nadu administration is apprehensive that if rain and wind speed continue to increase like this, the possibility of damage in some coastal areas may increase further.
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Are beaches and fishermen most at risk?
- Yes. The sea condition is currently “very rough”, which may reach “extremely bad” level by Sunday. so:
- Fishermen are prohibited from going to sea
- the boats are moored to the shore
- Relief teams have been kept ready in coastal villages
- About 3,500 boats have been safely berthed in Thanjavur and Nagapattinam.
Can travel on railways and roads also be affected?
Many trains going from Chennai, Madurai and Kanyakumari to Rameshwaram were stopped at Mandapam. Passengers were sent to the island via government buses. This step was taken because the impact of wind and rain is maximum in Pamban area.
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What preparations has the government made? Are NDRF teams deployed?
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has held a meeting with collectors of 14 districts.
In the state:
- 16 SDRF teams
- 12 NDRF teams
- Have been deployed.
Preparations are also being made to send people to safe places in the coastal areas.
Why did India send help to Sri Lanka?
- Cyclone Ditvah has caused massive devastation in Sri Lanka.
- India has launched humanitarian aid operation “Operation Sagar Bandhu”.
India sent:
- tent
- tarpaulin
- blanket
- hygiene kit
- ready-to-eat food
- 80 member team of NDRF
- Specially Trained Rescue Dogs
IMF and Sri Lankan government have thanked India.
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Are the next 48 hours the most important?
Yes. IMD has clearly said that the situation may reach its peak from tonight till tomorrow. Both wind speed and rainfall will increase.
An appeal has been made to the people that:
- Do not go out of homes.
- Stay away from power poles, trees and water areas.
- Don’t trust fake news.
- Pay attention only to government updates.
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