As Cyclone Ditwah intensifies over the Bay of Bengal, authorities in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh have issued warnings and deployed emergency teams. The storm, currently near Pottuvil, around 700 km from Chennai, is expected to make landfall on November 30.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised red alerts for several coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and orange alerts for people living in Puducherry, Karaikal, and nearby areas of Andhra Pradesh. Officials have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols.
Tracking Cyclone Ditwah in Real Time
While the IMD provides frequent updates, it does not have a real-time cyclone tracker. Residents can track the storm’s progress using third-party platforms like Windy and Zoom Earth, which display wind speeds, storm trajectory, and severity.
Cyclone Ditwah: Heavy Rainfall Expected
According to IMD bulletins, the northern districts of Tamil Nadu will receive heavy to very heavy rainfall until December 1. Extremely heavy rain is expected on November 29 and November 30. The cyclone is forecasted to hit the southwest Bay of Bengal, impacting the northern coast of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh in the early hours of Sunday.
At the Puducherry port, cyclone warning signal number two has been issued. This warns ships and vessels to exercise caution when wind speeds reach 60–90 kmph.
Severe waterlogging has been reported in several areas of Thoothukudi, where roads and neighbourhoods are already submerged. The region is bracing for another round of heavy rainfall, with local authorities advising residents to remain indoors and avoid venturing into flood-prone areas.
Cyclone Ditwah: Precautions for Fishermen and Farmers
Authorities have warned fishermen against going into the sea and advised farmers to take precautionary measures to protect crops and property.
Puducherry District Collector A. Kulothungan issued safety instructions, “Do not stand under trees, lamp posts, and old buildings.”
Emergency Response and NDRF Deployment
In preparation for Cyclone Ditwah, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed eight teams from Arakkonam to Puducherry. The teams are accompanied by four search and rescue dogs to assist with relief operations.
Residents can contact emergency numbers 1077, 1070, 112, or reach out to the Disaster Management Authority via WhatsApp at 9488981070 for guidance and preventive measures.
Authorities Urge Vigilance
With Cyclone Ditwah rapidly approaching, state governments and the IMD have urged the public to remain cautious, monitor official updates, and follow evacuation instructions if necessary. Early preparedness and adherence to safety protocols are crucial to minimize loss of life and property.
As the Bay of Bengal storm moves closer to India’s southern coast, authorities are on high alert. Residents of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh are being advised to take necessary precautions, stay indoors, and avoid unnecessary travel. Continuous monitoring and timely response will be key in mitigating the cyclone’s impact.
