Devastating Storm Approaches: NDRF on High Alert as ‘Extremely’ Heavy Rain Pummels TN and Andhra!
Cyclone Ditwah is bearing down on the eastern coast of India, with heavy rains and strong winds already lashing parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert as the cyclonic storm moved closer, predicting extremely heavy rainfall across many districts. Areas expected to be severely impacted include Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, and Puducherry, where isolated extreme downpours are forecasted.
As of the latest update, Cyclone Ditwah is moving northward at a speed of 7 kmph, located approximately 80 km from the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline, specifically at a latitude of 11.5°N and longitude of 80.6°E. It is roughly 100 km east-southeast of Cuddalore and 170 km south-southeast of Chennai. The IMD anticipates the storm will weaken into a deep depression by the evening.
The situation is dire, with local authorities warning citizens to brace for severe weather conditions. Intense rainfall has already caused waterlogging in Thoothukudi, impacting daily life. In Puducherry, officials reported rough sea conditions, raising alarms among fishermen who have been advised to remain onshore. Disaster response teams are on standby amid concerns about crop damages, especially in agricultural districts submerged by flooding.
Chennai Airport faced operational disruptions, with approximately 47 flights canceled, affecting both domestic and international travel. In anticipation of the storm’s impact, Tamil Nadu’s district administration has mobilized disaster response units, ensuring readiness for potential flooding and infrastructure failures. A continuous downpour has also led to reports of fatalities, with three confirmed deaths in rain-related incidents.
As Cyclone Ditwah approaches, the regional meteorological center has issued an orange alert for Chennai, indicating an additional level of preparedness. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed specialized teams in vulnerable districts to assist with rescue operations if needed.
The cyclone’s severity has echoed across the Bay of Bengal, impacting neighboring Sri Lanka, where the death toll has climbed to over 200 due to similar weather conditions triggered by the storm. As many as 400 Indian nationals were evacuated from Colombo airport, where they faced dire circumstances due to the storms.
In light of the unfolding crisis, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin announced readiness to extend humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka. The Indian government has also launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to provide immediate help to the cyclone-effected island, including food and medical aid.
Warnings of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall continue as the cyclone maintains its trajectory towards the Indian coastline. The IMD predicts that rainfall will intensify in Andhra Pradesh and has issued alerts for rough sea conditions in the region. As conditions evolve, officials urge residents to take necessary precautions and heed weather updates to ensure safety during this severe weather event.
For ongoing updates on Cyclone Ditwah, stay tuned for the latest information as it unfolds.
Original Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cyclone-ditwah-live-updates-landfall-imd-alert-tamil-nadu-puducherry-chennai-andhra-pradesh-rains-november-30-news-101764474339986.html
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Publish Date: 2025-11-30 19:20:00
