Cyclone 'Ditwah': North TN, Puducherry on red alert; landfall unlikely
What's the story
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts as Cyclone "Ditwah" approaches. The cyclone is currently centered near latitude 10.5°N and longitude 80.6°E, around 110km northeast of Jaffna in Sri Lanka. However, the cyclone is not expected to make landfall. Instead, it may weaken over the next few hours and move northwards parallel to the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts.
Weather warning
IMD forecasts extreme rainfall, issues safety advisory
The IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts, with extremely heavy rain expected in Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Villuppuram, Chengalpattu and Puducherry-Karaikal. Central and northern Tamil Nadu are also likely to witness widespread showers. The IMD has advised residents to stay indoors and avoid coastal areas. Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea due to rough conditions.
Travel alert
Air India issues travel advisory, Chennai prepares for cyclone
Air India has also issued a travel advisory amid possible flight disruptions due to Cyclone "Ditwah." Passengers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport. In Chennai, flood-control teams have been deployed and relief centers set up as part of the city's flood-mitigation plan. The Greater Chennai Corporation has also activated its 24x7 helpline (1913) for assistance during this time.
Relief efforts
Tamil Nadu government sets up relief camps, deploys rescue teams
The Tamil Nadu government has set up 6,000 relief camps across the state. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister KKSSR Ramachandran said they are ready to provide compensation to farmers affected by flooding in the delta districts. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been deployed across rain-hit districts for rescue operations.
Sri Lanka toll
Cyclone Ditwah's impact in Sri Lanka raises concerns
Before reaching India, Cyclone "Ditwah" had wreaked havoc in Sri Lanka, killing 153 people and leaving 191 missing. The cyclone destroyed around 15,000 homes and displaced nearly 44,000 people in the country. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) of Sri Lanka has confirmed these figures as part of its ongoing response efforts to the disaster.