Cyclonic Storm ‘Ditwah’ Near Tamil Nadu Coast; IMD Issues Orange Alert, Extremely Heavy Rain Likely

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for coastal districts of north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh as Cyclonic Storm “Ditwah” intensifies over the southwest Bay of Bengal near the Sri Lanka coast. The system is moving northward at a speed of 7 kmph and is expected to approach the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast by the morning of November 30.

According to IMD, the storm was centred at 0230 hrs IST near latitude 9.2°N and longitude 80.8°E—about 80 km from Trincomalee (Sri Lanka), 220 km from Karaikal (India) and 430 km south of Chennai.

Very Heavy to Extremely Heavy Rain Forecast

Under its influence, extremely heavy rainfall (over 20 cm) is likely over coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on 29 and 30 November.
South coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema may also receive very heavy to extremely heavy rain on November 30.
Several parts of Kerala may experience heavy rainfall today, while Telangana is likely to see heavy showers on November 30.

Wind Speed May Reach 90 kmph, Sea Conditions Very Rough

Wind speeds over the southwest Bay of Bengal, Gulf of Mannar and Sri Lanka coast are expected to reach 70–80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph.
Strong winds are also forecast along the Tamil Nadu coast, leading to very rough-to-high sea conditions. Gradual improvement is expected from December 1.

Fishermen Advised Not to Venture into the Sea

Fishing activities have been completely banned for the Sri Lanka coast, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh coasts until December 1.
Warnings have also been issued for parts of the west-central Bay of Bengal, Lakshadweep, Maldives and the Arabian Sea.

Potential Impacts

• Damage to thatched houses and temporary structures

• Uprooting of small trees and breaking of branches

• Disruption to power and communication lines

• Heavy damage to banana, papaya and paddy crops

• Seawater intrusion in low-lying coastal areas

• Flash floods and road waterlogging in several districts

IMD Advisories

• Fishermen must avoid going into the sea

• Coastal residents should move to safer locations

• Unplug electrical equipment during strong winds

• Avoid sheltering under trees

• Tourism and outdoor activities should be restricted