Cyclone Ditwah Batters Tamil Nadu & Puducherry With Intense Rain, High Tides — Check Details

Cyclone Ditwah has brought intense rainfall, powerful winds, and rising sea levels to several parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, prompting authorities to issue a red alert as top leaders reviewed the situation and ongoing preparedness measures.

The storm moved closer to the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh on Sunday, November 30, leading the Indian Meteorological Department to issue the high-level warning. The region has been hit by torrential downpours, with forecasts predicting thunderstorms and lightning in affected districts.

According to the weather department, northern Tamil Nadu is expected to see heavy rainfall until noon on November 30 due to the cyclonic system's impact. Nagapattinam district has already logged 30 cm of rainfall in the last two days.

Puducherry continues to witness severe rain paired with strong winds, as the cyclone's approach fuels high tides and disrupts coastal zones.

Deputy CM Conducts Ground Inspections

With many districts receiving continuous heavy rain for two days, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin visited the affected locations and reviewed operations at the State Disaster Management Control Room in Chennai. He was accompanied by Tamil Nadu Revenue Minister KKSSR Ramachandran. A day earlier, Chief Minister MK Stalin had also conducted inspection rounds in areas impacted by the downpour.

To bolster rescue and relief activities, the government has deployed 16 State Disaster Response Force teams and 12 National Disaster Response Force teams. An additional 10 NDRF units are currently on their way, the Deputy Chief Minister confirmed.

Authorities have advised fishermen not to venture into the sea today or tomorrow, citing dangerous weather conditions. Nearly 20,000 hectares of land are still submerged, with restoration and assessment efforts ongoing.

The government has also arranged five lakh food packets to support families affected by the severe weather and ensure essential supplies are readily available.