Cyclone Ditwah Tracker Live: Storm Weakens into Deep Depression, Likely to Approach TN-Puducherry Coast by Midnight

Cyclone Ditwah, which was initially a very powerful storm, has now turned into a deep depression as it is nearing the coast of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. This has led to issuing of red alerts in various districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has given a warning of extremely heavy rainfall for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and certain regions of Andhra Pradesh. The authorities are on alert as the cyclone continues to affect the eastern coast of India.

Main Highlights

• Cyclone Situation: Ditwah which at present is located over the southwestern Bay of Bengal, is moving northward and is projected to be within a distance of 30 km from North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts by midnight.
• Rainfall Alerts: IMD has predicted extremely heavy rains in many districts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh. The storm is also likely to "considerably increase rainfall activity" in Andhra Pradesh.
• Weather at Sea: Unsettled sea conditions have been reported in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, where danger signal number 5 is being displayed at Puducherry port.
• Deaths & Moving People: The storm affected Sri Lanka with strong floods and landslides causing the death of 334 people. Entailing at least 400 stranded Indian citizens in Sri Lanka, the evacuation operation is being conducted through commercial and IAF flights to Delhi and Thiruvananthapuram.
• Solution from State: Tamil Nadu Disaster Management Minister KKSSR Ramachandran has moved to the state emergency operations center to keep a close watch over the situation. Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangaswamy has visited Uppalam Harbor Beach to evaluate the impact there. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been sent to the vulnerable districts.
• Present Position: The Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai, has stated that Ditwah is now located about 90 km southeast of Cuddalore, 120 km northeast of Karaikal, 90 km southeast of Puducherry, 170 km northeast of Vedaranniyam, and 150 km southeast of Chennai.

Protective Actions and Recommendations

People in the hazardous locations should stay indoors, and if possible, do not travel at all. The fishermen are warned not to go to the sea. The emergency helplines and the disaster management teams are available all day long to help.

What is coming?

IMD predicts Cyclone Ditwah to lose its strength fully before making landfall. Yet, torrential downpours, gusty winds, and surging tides may still be there till Sunday night and early Monday, so it would be wise for the public to remain informed about local warnings.

Everyone is being encouraged by the authorities to observe the official updates and the safety measures in order to lessen the impact and to protect themselves.