Cyclone Ditwah, which has been tracking northwards along the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast, has weakened into a deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects the system to further weaken into a depression by Monday noon.
According to the IMD’s 2 a.m. update, the centre of the deep depression is located about 50 km from the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast. Earlier, the agency had issued a red alert for north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjacent south Andhra Pradesh coasts.
Tragically, Cyclone Ditwah has already claimed three lives in Tamil Nadu due to rain-related incidents, confirmed by state revenue and disaster management minister KKSSR Ramachandran on Sunday.
Latest Updates on Cyclone Ditwah
- The cyclonic storm over the southwest Bay of Bengal has weakened into a deep depression. Over the past six hours, it moved northwards at 10 kmph, with its centre located in the same region at 11:30 p.m. on Sunday.
- The depression’s position is roughly:
- 90 km south-southeast of Chennai
- 90 km east-southeast of Puducherry
- 110 km east-northeast of Cuddalore
- 180 km north-northeast of Karaikal
- The system is forecast to continue moving nearly northwards along the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coasts, weakening further by Monday noon. By Monday morning, it is expected to be as close as 30 km offshore.
- As the storm weakens, heavy to very heavy rain may affect Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Vellore, and Ranipet districts. Light to moderate rainfall is expected in other parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, with isolated thunderstorms and lightning possible.
- Gale-force winds of 60–70 kmph, with gusts up to 80 kmph, are likely along north coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal. Squally winds of 55–65 kmph, gusting up to 75 kmph, may affect nearby north coastal and south coastal Tamil Nadu districts.
- Andhra Pradesh and Odisha rainfall forecast:
- South coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema: Light to moderate rain, with heavy rain at isolated spots.
- North coastal Andhra Pradesh: Light to moderate rain, isolated heavy showers expected Monday.
- Odisha: Light to moderate rainfall in several areas; heavy rain in isolated southern districts.
- Impact in Sri Lanka: Floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah have caused 334 deaths, with nearly 400 people missing and over 1.3 million affected.
- The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka has evacuated the last group of stranded Indian passengers from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport under Operation Sagar Bandhu, while another Indian Air Force aircraft delivered disaster-response supplies.
School Closures
- In Tamil Nadu, several districts had announced school and college closures earlier. As of December 1, official information on continued closures is unconfirmed; students are advised to contact their institutions for updates.
- In Puducherry, all private and government-aided schools and colleges across its four regions are closed on Monday (December 1), confirmed by home and education minister A. Namassivayam.
Cyclone Ditwah may have weakened, but heavy rains, strong winds, and potential flooding continue to pose significant risks across the region. Residents are urged to remain alert, follow official updates, and prioritize safety in the coming days.
