Chennai: Cyclone Ditwah, which has been moving closer to the Tamil Nadu coast, has weakened into a deep depression, but weather officials warn that heavy to very heavy rain will continue across Chennai and nearby coastal districts through the weekend.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the storm was positioned over the southwest Bay of Bengal early Saturday and is now nearing the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coastline. Even with the weakening, the system is strong enough to bring intense rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds along the coast.
Officials said parts of north Tamil Nadu including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram are expected to receive heavy downpours, with isolated areas likely to record extremely heavy rainfall. Winds could reach speeds between 60 and 80 kilometers an hour in some stretches of the coast.
The heavy rainfall has already begun affecting daily life. More than fifty flights have been cancelled at airports in Tamil Nadu, leaving many passengers stranded. Several transport services have been delayed as authorities monitor conditions.
District authorities have placed emergency response teams on standby, with shelters and relief centers opened in vulnerable areas. Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea until conditions improve. Residents in low lying and flood prone neighborhoods have been asked to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
The state government has also cautioned that flooding, waterlogging and power disruptions are possible as rainfall continues. Chief Minister MK Stalin instructed officials to coordinate rescue measures and ensure timely support in case of emergencies.
Weather experts expect the system to gradually weaken further after making its closest approach to the coast. Rains may reduce by Sunday, though scattered showers are expected to continue for another day in some areas.
Authorities have urged people to remain alert and follow weather warnings until the situation fully stabilizes.