Cyclone Ditwah Triggers Heavy Rain and Damage Across Tamil Nadu; Public Warned to Stay Indoors

Chennai: Following the landfall of Cyclone Ditwah along the Tamil Nadu coast, widespread rainfall was reported across many parts of the state. On Saturday, heavy rains caused destruction in coastal regions and the Cauvery Delta districts. In Ramanathapuram district, a tourist van got stuck near a canal due to the rain, but the passengers managed to escape through the rear door. The district administration has warned the public not to go outdoors unnecessarily, as strong winds and heavy rainfall are expected. Tourists heading to Dhanushkodi have also been issued warnings.

Heavy rainfall was recorded in several parts of the state, including Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Thiruvidaimaruthur, Kumbakonam, Papanasam, Thiruvaiyaru, Pattukkottai, Cuddalore, and parts of Chennai. Schools in several districts were declared closed today due to the rain. Strong winds, tidal surges, and heavy rainfall were reported in Ramanathapuram and Nagapattinam districts.

According to the IMD, Cyclone Ditwah, which formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal, moved north-northwest at a speed of 8 km/h within six hours and was centered over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining northern Sri Lanka at 5.30 a.m. today. Located 190 km south-southeast of Karaikal, 300 km south-southeast of Puducherry, and 400 km south of Chennai, the cyclone is expected to move north-northwest by early morning on November 30, reaching the southwest Bay of Bengal near the northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining southern Andhra Pradesh coasts, according to the weather bulletin.