Cyclone Ditwah: IMD Issues Red Alert in Tamil Nadu, Landfall Expected Tomorrow

A state of high alert has been declared across the north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts as Cyclonic Storm Ditwah slowly tracks towards the Indian mainland.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for several districts, warning of strong winds, extremely heavy rainfall, and severe waterlogging from the approaching storm.

Cyclone Ditwah: Current Position & Movement

As of late Friday, Cyclone Ditwah, which originated over the southwest Bay of Bengal and coastal Sri Lanka, was positioned near latitude 9.0°N and longitude 80.8°E. It was approximately 240 km south-southeast of Karaikal and 350 km south-southeast of Puducherry, moving slowly north-northwestwards at about 7 kmph.

Cyclone Ditwah: Expected Landfall

The IMD forecasts that Cyclone Ditwah is likely to reach the southwest Bay of Bengal near the North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining South Andhra Pradesh coasts by the early morning of Sunday, November 30.

Cyclone Ditwah: Districts on Red Alert

The primary areas under the Red Alert on Saturday, indicating the threat of extremely heavy rainfall, include:

Tamil Nadu: Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Chengalpattu

Union Territory: Puducherry and Karaikal region

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Cyclone Ditwah: Districts on Orange Alert

An Orange Alert, indicating heavy to very heavy rainfall, has also been issued for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and other surrounding districts. Authorities in Puducherry held emergency meetings and declared a holiday for all schools and colleges on Saturday, November 29.

Cyclone Ditwah: Precautionary Steps for Residents

Residents in affected regions should take the following safety measures:

1. Stay Informed: Listen to official weather updates via radio, TV, or online sources.
2. Secure Homes: Anchor loose objects, close doors and windows, and keep boards or strong tape ready for glass windows.
3. Prepare an Emergency Kit: Keep essential items such as a flashlight, spare batteries, non-perishable food, drinking water, medicines, and important documents in a waterproof bag.
4. Avoid Water: Stay away from beaches and avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.
5. Unplug Appliances: Disconnect electrical devices and turn off electricity and gas if advised or if water enters the house.

Cyclone Ditwah: Port & Fishing Advisory

With strong winds and rough seas expected, the Puducherry Port has hoisted a cyclone warning signal. Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the Bay of Bengal until December 1.

Cyclone Ditwah: Why This Name?

The name “Ditwah” was proposed by Yemen for this cyclonic storm. While cyclones often recur, Ditwah is the unique name for this specific system, which originated as a low-pressure area over the warm waters of the southwest Bay of Bengal.

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