Chennai: Cyclone Ditwah has weakened into a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, but Tamil Nadu continues to face heavy rainfall, strong winds and flooding. State officials have confirmed that three people have lost their lives in rain related incidents in different districts.
Chennai and nearby coastal areas experienced continuous overnight rain leading to waterlogging on main roads and residential areas. Traffic movement has slowed down in several parts of the city as rescue teams work to clear fallen trees and drain flooded streets.
Schools and colleges in many districts including Chennai, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Puducherry remain closed as a precaution. The government has advised people to stay indoors and avoid travel unless necessary.
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force and state disaster units have been deployed to vulnerable zones. Many families living in low lying coastal areas have been moved to temporary shelters for safety. Power supply was disrupted in a few areas due to electrical damage but repair work has already begun.
Farmers are reporting large scale losses across the delta region. Flooding has damaged more than one lakh acres of paddy fields. The salt industry near Tuticorin has also suffered heavy damage with around 20000 acres of salt pans affected, putting the livelihoods of many workers at risk.
Before approaching Tamil Nadu the cyclone brought severe destruction in Sri Lanka. Officials there have reported that the death toll has risen to 334 and several people are still missing. India has already sent support to the country through relief operations and emergency supplies.
In Andhra Pradesh precautionary measures are also in place. Vulnerable groups including thousands of pregnant women have been shifted to hospitals and shelters. Fishermen along the east coast have been warned not to venture into the sea until conditions become safe.
According to the India Meteorological Department the system will weaken further in the coming hours but rainfall may continue in parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry through the day. Authorities are now focusing on restoring essential services and assisting affected families as the impact of Cyclone Ditwah becomes clearer.