Chennai: Cyclone Ditwah, which has intensified over the Bay of Bengal, is now on a trajectory that will take it perilously close to the coasts of North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its latest bulletin. While the system is not expected to make a direct landfall, it will travel parallel to the coastline, bringing very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region throughout the day.
According to the Chennai Meteorological Department, the cyclone is currently located just 80 km southeast of Karaikal and 280 km south of Chennai. Moving at a slow pace of 5 km per hour in a north-northwesterly direction, the storm’s center is predicted to be a mere 25 km from the coastal areas by this evening, effectively grazing the shoreline.
Ditwah cyclone update: “Coastal skimming” phenomenon and rainfall forecast
The unique nature of this cyclone’s path means it will travel along the coast without crossing it. This “coastal skimming” or parallel movement is expected to unleash significant rainfall. The IMD has forecast moderate rain with thunder and lightning in many places across the northern districts, with heavy to very heavy downpours likely in several key areas.
Districts including Chennai, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, and the union territory of Puducherry have been put on high alert for intense rainfall activity. As the cyclone touches the coast and then weakens over the sea, the rain intensity is expected to decrease subsequently.
Cyclone in Chennai: Preparedness and impact
In response to the imminent threat, the state government has mobilized resources. National and State Disaster Response Force (NDRF/SDRF) teams have been pre-positioned in the northern districts of Tamil Nadu to address any emergencies arising from flooding or wind damage.
The cyclone also carries a warning for strong winds, with speeds of 55 to 75 kmph likely to lash the coastal areas. While Chennai has experienced dry air and minimal rainfall so far, meteorological officials predict that rainfall will increase as clouds gather and atmospheric conditions evolve through the day. Authorities have advised citizens to remain indoors, avoid coastal areas, and stay updated with official weather bulletins.