The cyclonic storm ‘Ditwaah’, formed over the coastal areas of Sri Lanka and the Southwest Bay of Bengal, is continuously moving northwards. Its speed has been recorded at approximately 7 kilometers per hour.
Cyclone Ditvaah: Officials' concerns have grown regarding the increasing impact of cyclonic storm 'Ditwaah' in southeastern India. This storm, developed over the coastal areas of Sri Lanka and the Bay of Bengal, is continuously moving north. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and South Andhra Pradesh. In view of this, instructions have been given to keep schools and colleges closed and for local administration to remain vigilant.
Current Status of the Storm
According to the India Meteorological Department, at 2:30 AM on Saturday night, the storm's center was located at 9.2 degrees North and 80.8 degrees East. It was approximately 80 km northwest of Trincomalee and about 430 km south of Chennai. The cyclonic storm is moving in a north-northwesterly direction at a speed of 7 km per hour. The IMD predicts that the storm may reach the coastal areas of North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and South Andhra Pradesh on November 30. During this period, there is a risk of b winds and heavy rainfall in these areas.
Heavy Rainfall and Potential Impact
The Meteorological Department has issued a warning of extremely heavy rainfall in several districts of Tamil Nadu. Specifically:
- Likely to receive extremely heavy rainfall: Ramanathapuram, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Karaikal
- Heavy to very heavy rainfall: Thoothukudi, Sivaganga, Ariyalur, Mayiladuthurai
- Heavy rainfall at isolated places: Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Perambalur, Cuddalore
Due to the possibility of rising river water levels and localized waterlogging in these areas, the administration has issued instructions to remain vigilant.
Schools and Colleges Closed
In view of the storm's severity, it has been decided to close schools and colleges in several districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
- Only schools closed: Ariyalur, Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur, Viluppuram
- Both schools and colleges closed: Cuddalore, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Kallakurichi, Pudukkottai, Perambalur, Puducherry, Karaikal
The purpose of this decision is to ensure the safety of children and young people. Local administration has advised residents of coastal areas to remain vigilant. Fishermen have been instructed not to venture into the sea, as high waves and b winds are expected due to the storm. Relief and disaster management teams have been put on alert. Furthermore, the availability of necessary resources has been ensured to mitigate waterlogging and storm damage in the affected areas.
