Chennai: Cyclone Ditwah continues to move toward the Indian coastline and is expected to make landfall near the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast early on November 30, according to the India Meteorological Department. The storm has already caused heavy damage in Sri Lanka and now strong wind and rain are increasing along coastal parts of south India.
A red alert has been issued for several districts in Tamil Nadu including Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram and Chengalpattu as well as Puducherry. Officials warn that the cyclone may bring extremely heavy rainfall, wind speeds up to 90 kilometers per hour and sea waves high enough to damage coastal structures.
Authorities have deployed disaster response teams in vulnerable coastal towns and have moved people living in low lying and flood prone areas to relief shelters. Schools and examinations have been suspended in some districts as a precaution.
Neighboring states are also preparing for impact. Parts of Andhra Pradesh are under alert and the coastal stretch is expected to receive strong winds and heavy rain. Kerala is likely to receive moderate rain with isolated heavy showers and fishermen have been strictly advised to avoid entering the sea until further notice.
The cyclone has already led to rising water levels and power disruption in some coastal locations. Officials say the next 24 hours are critical and have urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel especially near beaches and rivers.
Weather agencies will continue to monitor the movement of Cyclone Ditwah and issue fresh warnings as conditions change.