Cyclone Ditwah Approaches Indian Coast: Red Alert Issued for Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry

Cyclone Ditwah is heading towards the Indian coast, bringing heavy rainfall, powerful winds, and high tides to Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry.

New Delhi:

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Chief has warned that Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry should expect torrential rains as cyclone Ditwah approaches. The weather department has issued a red alert for these regions.

According to the IMD's latest bulletin, the cyclone is expected to reach the southwest Bay of Bengal near North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts by early Sunday morning.

State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister KKSSR Ramachandran stated that while it remains unclear if the cyclone will make landfall near Chennai, the state government is fully prepared to implement rescue and relief operations promptly.

Chennai airport authorities have reported the cancellation of approximately 54 flights to various districts due to the approaching cyclone.

IMD Director General Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra reported that sea winds around Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have reached speeds of 70 to 80 kilometers per hour, with gusts up to 90 km/hour due to the cyclone's influence.

He explained that although the cyclone will pass approximately 50 kilometers off the coast of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry tomorrow morning, its effects will continue to be felt until evening.

The IMD chief also mentioned that structural damage is not anticipated, though standing crops might suffer damage from the cyclone.

"Heavy rainfall has been recorded in coastal Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry due to its impact over the past 24 hours. We have issued a red alert for these regions... Kerala may also experience isolated incidents of heavy to very heavy rainfall," he stated.

"Residents of these areas should exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel. The rainfall could lead to flooding and inundation in low-lying areas," he added.

Dr. Mohapatra advised fishermen in these states against venturing into the sea.

"Sea winds have reached speeds of 50 to 60 kilometers per hour near the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh. Waves up to 8 meters high have been recorded near Tamil Nadu and Puducherry," he reported.

He urged both administration officials and coastal residents to maintain extreme vigilance.

The name 'Ditwah', which refers to a lagoon, was proposed by Yemen. It is likely named after Detwah Lagoon, a large saline lagoon located on the northwest coast of Socotra island in Yemen.