Key Takeaways
- Red alert issued for five districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
- Cyclone Ditwah expected to make landfall early November 30
- Wind speeds of 70-90 kmph and extremely heavy rainfall predicted
- Significant damage to crops and property expected across multiple states
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for several districts in Tamil Nadu as Cyclone Ditwah approaches the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast, with landfall expected tomorrow morning.
The cyclonic storm is currently moving north-northwestwards from coastal Sri Lanka and the southwest Bay of Bengal, with slight intensification predicted as it enters Indian waters.
Immediate Threat to Tamil Nadu
Extremely heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places over coastal Tamil Nadu on Saturday, with the Regional Meteorological Centre issuing red alerts for Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Chengalpattu and Puducherry.
Gale winds reaching 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph are forecast from Saturday morning till Sunday morning along and off north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts.
IMD chief Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra warned: “This rainfall can lead to localised inundation and flooding. Especially in urban areas, flooding can occur. In hilly areas, flash-flood-like situations can also occur.”
Damage Assessment and Warnings
The strong winds may uproot trees, damage hoardings and affect thatched or mud houses. The storm is also expected to cause “significant damage” to standing crops, including horticulture, floriculture and vegetables, particularly those in the ripening stage.
Extremely heavy rainfall is expected to continue over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Sunday as the cyclonic storm makes landfall.
Regional Impact Beyond Tamil Nadu
Kerala is likely to experience light to moderate rainfall at many places with heavy rainfall at isolated places on Saturday.
Coastal Andhra Pradesh-Yanam and Rayalaseema can expect light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places on Saturday, escalating to extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places on Sunday.
Telangana will experience light to moderate rainfall at a few places with heavy rainfall at isolated places on Sunday.
Rainfall is expected to gradually decrease to light to moderate at many places with heavy rainfall at isolated places by December 1.
