by: NavJeevan

Cyclone Ditwah – TN on edge as heavy rain, strong winds batter northern coastal districts

R. ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, NOV 30

As Cyclone Ditwah skirts the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts for multiple northern and coastal districts, flagging “very heavy to extremely heavy” rainfall and gusty winds that threaten widespread disruption.

The cyclone, currently tracking northwards along the coast over the southwest Bay of Bengal, is forecast to pass within 30-60 km of the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coastline in the next 24 hours.

  • IMD Issues Red & Orange Alerts; Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu Among Districts on High Alert
  • Heavy to Very Heavy Rainfall, Rough Seas, Flight Disruptions Hit Chennai Region
  • Rescue Teams Mobilised; Fishermen Warned — Preparations Underway Across Tamil Nadu & Puducherry

Authorities warn of severe weather: Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Ranipet and Vellore are under orange alert, while Tiruvallur, Ranipet and other northern districts carry a red alert for rain-related emergencies.

NDRF personnel ready to take off from Pune and Vadodara to Chennai by C-17 aircraft for Ditwah cyclone relief and rescume mission in Tamil Nadu. PHOTO: DEF PRO

Strong winds (up to 70–90 kmph) and rough seas have already battered coastal regions, forcing cancellations of flights and prompting widespread sea-avoidance advisories for fishing and coastal travel.

Rescue agencies, including National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have been put on standby alongside the Coast Guard and Air Force, while coastal administrations prepare for possible evacuations and emergency response.