Cyclone 'Ditwah': India braces for impact; shelters set up
What's the story
Cyclone "Ditwah" is expected to make landfall near the North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry-South Andhra Pradesh coast early on November 30. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a high alert for southern India as the storm moves north-northwest over the southwest Bay of Bengal. "Ditwah" has already wreaked havoc in Sri Lanka, killing at least 153 people and leaving more than 191 missing.
Weather warning
IMD forecasts heavy rainfall and strong winds
As a result, the IMD has forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds across several southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh. Kerala is likely to experience isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall, while isolated heavy rainfall may be seen in a few districts in Telangana. The cyclone is expected to cause widespread disruption and urban flooding. Residents have been advised to follow safety instructions and stay indoors during severe weather conditions.
State readiness
Tamil Nadu prepares for potential impact
In Tamil Nadu, the government has taken extensive precautionary measures. Coastal and delta districts have already started witnessing heavy rainfall, with Ramanathapuram and Nagapattinam being the worst affected. The state government is fully prepared with 28 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams on standby. About 6,000 relief camps have been set up across the state.
AP preparations
Andhra Pradesh braces for heavy rainfall
The IMD has also predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Andhra Pradesh from November 30 to December 3. Tirupati, Chittoor, Prakasam, Nellore, Kadapa and Annamayya districts are likely to witness intense rain. Squally winds reaching up to 60km/h, and gale winds up to 70km/h on November 30 have also been predicted. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has advised residents in vulnerable areas to stay indoors during peak rainfall periods.
Sri Lanka aftermath
Cyclone Ditwah's impact on Sri Lanka
The massive destruction in Sri Lanka has left nearly 15,000 homes destroyed. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a state of emergency as tens of thousands remain in shelters. India has launched Operation "Sagar Bandhu" to provide relief supplies to Sri Lanka using C-130 and IL-76 aircraft along with a naval ship.