Flights diverted, NDRF deployed as Cyclone Ditwah approaches Tamil Nadu
What's the story
Cyclone Ditwah is currently located over coastal Sri Lanka and the adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal. According to the weather department, it is located 320 kilometers southeast of Karaikal and 530 kilometers south of Chennai. It is expected to continue moving north-northwest across Sri Lanka, reaching the North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra coasts by the early morning of November 30.
Regional effects
NDRF deployed
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed across Tamil Nadu as a precautionary measure against heavy rainfall caused by the storm. Eight NDRF teams have been deployed to several districts, and each team has 30 members. Puducherry will get two teams, and Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukkottai, Cuddalore, and Tiruvarur will each get one team for safety operations.
Weather warning
Andhra Pradesh braces for heavy rainfall
As the system approaches the Tamil Nadu coast, the state has issued a red alert for Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai, indicating the probability of more than 20 cm of rain in the next 24 hours. An orange alert has been issued for five nearby districts: Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, and Chengalpattu. The State Disaster Management Authority of Andhra Pradesh has also warned of heavy rainfall in Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema on Saturday and Sunday due to Cyclone Ditwah.
Travel disruptions
Flights diverted due to Cyclone Ditwah
The severe weather has also led to travel disruptions. Four flights bound for Colombo were diverted to Thiruvananthapuram in India due to the impact of Cyclone Ditwah. The diverted flights include Etihad Airways flight EY394D from Abu Dhabi, AirAsia's AK047D from Kuala Lumpur, and SriLankan Airlines's UL226 and UL218D from Dubai and Doha respectively.
Economic effects
Cyclone Ditwah's impact on Sri Lanka
Meanwhile, in response to a request from Sri Lankan authorities, India has agreed to deploy its helicopters from INS Vikrant, currently docked in Colombo, to support ongoing rescue and relief efforts as Cyclone Ditwah worsens floods across the island. At least 56 people have died and 21 are still missing after heavy rains wreaked havoc on Sri Lanka this week.