Cyclone Ditwah: IMD Warns of Intensified Rainfall Across Andhra Pradesh Districts

The cyclone is anticipated to continue its path along and off the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline

Amaravati:

According to the IMD on Sunday, cyclone Ditwah, currently positioned over the southwest Bay of Bengal, is expected to intensify rainfall across various districts of Andhra Pradesh.

The weather system has moved nearly northwards during the past six hours and was centered at latitude 11.4 degrees north and longitude 80.6 degrees east, in close proximity to the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts.

"Cyclone Ditwah, presently located over the southwest Bay of Bengal, is forecast to considerably enhance rainfall activity across multiple districts of Andhra Pradesh," stated the India Meteorological Department in a release.

The designation 'Ditwah,' proposed by Yemen, refers to a lagoon and likely originates from Detwah Lagoon, a substantial saline lagoon situated on Socotra's northwest coast.

The cyclone is predicted to continue moving along and off the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline, maintaining a distance of 30 to 70 km offshore and increasing rainfall over Andhra Pradesh.

North Coastal Andhra Pradesh (NCAP) and Yanam are expected to experience light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and squally winds of 35-45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph, over the next two days.

Light to moderate rain or thundershowers are anticipated at several locations on Tuesday.

South Coastal Andhra Pradesh (SCAP) may encounter heavy to very heavy rainfall at numerous places and extremely heavy rain at one or two locations throughout the day.

Heavy rainfall is expected at isolated areas on Monday, followed by light to moderate rainfall on Tuesday.

Rayalaseema is also forecast to receive light to moderate rain at most places on Monday, with heavy to very heavy rain at one or two locations. Thunderstorms with lightning may occur at isolated spots. Light to moderate rainfall is likely at several places on Tuesday, the IMD further noted.

Squally winds of 35-45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph, are expected over NCAP, while wind speeds could reach 50-60 kmph, gusting to 70 kmph, across regions of SCAP and Rayalaseema.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Home Minister V Anita conducted a review of cyclone preparedness with collectors from Nellore, Tirupati, Kadapa, Chittoor, and Annamayya districts from the Secretariat in Guntur district.

She directed officials to remain on high alert for 48 hours and ensure continuous warnings reach vulnerable communities expected to face severe rainfall and gusty winds.

Officials were instructed to promptly clear fallen trees, restore power supply, respond swiftly to control-room calls, and deploy teams in sensitive areas to prevent unfortunate incidents.

District Collectors informed the minister that precautionary measures had been implemented and rehabilitation centers were prepared to accommodate residents if evacuation became necessary.