by: NavJeevan

Cyclone Ditwah bears down on Tamil Nadu

R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, NOV 28

Cyclone Ditwah continued its northward march on Thursday, bringing Tamil Nadu under a heightened state of preparedness as authorities braced for extremely heavy rainfall, strong winds and widespread disruptions over the next 48 hours.

  • 54 Flights Cancelled; Govt Swings Into Action With Defence, NDRF & State Forces on High Alert
  • CM Urges Public to Stay Indoors as Heavy Rains, Strong Winds Likely to Lash Coast From Tonight

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) retained its red alert for several coastal and delta districts on November 29, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall likely in at least two districts on Sunday as well.

CANCELLATIONS: FLIGHTS, TRAINS & BUSES HIT

The approaching cyclone caused large-scale disruptions in public transport:

  • 54 flights were cancelled at Chennai International Airport, affecting both domestic and international operations.
  • Southern Railway announced cancellation/short termination of multiple services in the Chennai–Tiruchirappalli, Chennai–Thanjavur, and Chennai–Tirunelveli sectors due to waterlogging risk and operational constraints.
  • The State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) and TNSTC suspended or diverted bus services on vulnerable coastal routes, including Nagapattinam, Vedaranyam, Chidambaram, and Cuddalore.

GOVT DECLARES HOLIDAY FOR SCHOOLS, COLLEGES

The Tamil Nadu Government declared holidays for schools and colleges across several districts, including:

Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Virudhunagar, Kallakurichi, Tiruchi, Puducherry, and Karaikal.

More districts are likely to follow depending on rainfall impact.

PATH OF THE CYCLONE

Cyclone Ditwah, moving at 7 kmph, lay centred over coastal Sri Lanka and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal, approximately:

  • 380 km south-southeast of Puducherry
  • 490 km south of Chennai

It is expected to reach the southwest Bay of Bengal near north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts by early Sunday.

NDRF, STATE DISASTER UNITS & DEFENCE ON HIGH ALERT

The State Government has deployed special disaster response teams in high-risk districts, especially Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Nagapattinam and Delta regions.

  • NDRF has stationed teams in Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Chennai, Chengalpattu, and Villupuram, equipped with boats, tree-cutting machines and communication devices.
  • The Indian Coast Guard and Navy are monitoring the seas; fishing boats have been recalled, and sea patrols intensified.
  • The Army has kept engineering and rescue columns ready in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli for rapid deployment if required.

CM’S APPEAL: “SAFETY FIRST — STAY INDOORS”

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, after reviewing preparedness with senior IAS, IPS and defence officials, appealed to the public:

“Please avoid unnecessary travel. Stay indoors when rainfall intensifies. The government, NDRF and all departments are fully prepared, but your cooperation is critical at this time.”

He also directed Collectors of 14 districts to ensure relief centres, food stocks, medical teams and power restoration units are in place.

GOVT & LOCAL BODIES STEP UP PREPAREDNESS

  • Chennai Corporation has deployed over 5,000 workers for waterlogging management and issued an advisory to residents in low-lying areas.
  • Tangedco teams and emergency repair squads have been stationed for rapid power restoration.
  • Over 440 shelters have been prepared across coastal districts.
  • Pumping stations, stormwater drains, culverts and canals are being monitored round-the-clock.

RMC WARNING

RMC has warned of intense rainfall in:

Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Sivaganga, Madurai, and Virudhunagar.

Residents have been urged to avoid waterlogged areas, unstable structures, and sea coasts during the storm phase.

AFTER BATTERING SRI LANKA, TN NEXT IN PATH

Following unprecedented rainfall in Sri Lanka, Cyclone Ditwah is now set to bring heavy to very heavy rain in Tamil Nadu — notably the Cauvery Delta and northern coastal zones from Saturday evening.

PUBLIC ADVISED TO STAY UPDATED

Officials have requested citizens to track only government sources, including

  • RMC bulletins
  • TN Disaster Management Authority
  • District Collectorate advisories as the situation may evolve rapidly.