The threat of Cyclone Ditvah is increasing rapidly in the coastal states of South India. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry. Due to the impact of the cyclone, heavy rains and strong winds were seen in many coastal districts of Tamil Nadu on Saturday. The weather changed suddenly on Saturday in Ramanathapuram, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur and Chennai adjacent to the coast. According to the Meteorological Department, this cyclonic system will come closer to the southern coasts of India on the morning of 30 November.
Its impact is most visible in the bordering states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. High waves are rising in the sea, due to which an alert has been issued at the ports. At the same time, fishermen have been strictly advised not to go into the sea. Schools are closed as a precautionary measure in the villages adjacent to the coast and the electricity department has been put on emergency preparedness in many areas. Relief and rescue officials said that in coastal areas, the process of pre-emptive evacuation, i.e. taking people to safe places, can be started immediately if needed.
keep an eye on every situation
The state government in Tamil Nadu is continuously monitoring the situation. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister KK SSR Ramachandran said that a total of 28 teams of NDRF and SDRF are deployed in the field. The Indian Air Force and Coast Guard are also ready for any emergency. At present, there is no information about any major damage, but the administration has put all the district magistrates on high-alert in view of the possibility of rain and increase in wind speed.
Impact on air and rail services
There was a huge impact on flights due to the cyclone. Chennai Airport said that 54 flights had to be canceled due to bad weather. Many flights were delayed and many flights had to be diverted. On the other hand, Southern Railway has also changed the timing of many trains. The wind speed on Pamban Bridge has started normalizing and the administration is preparing to restore services to Rameshwaram soon.
Storm wreaks havoc in Sri Lanka, emergency declared in the country
Efforts continued on Saturday to normalize the situation in Sri Lanka after the devastation caused by cyclone Ditvaah. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a state of emergency throughout the country. The death toll due to the cyclone has exceeded 150. Tragic incidents of people being buried in landslides and swept away in sudden floods are coming to light from various provinces of the country.
What did the meteorological department say?
Meteorological Department Director General Athula Karunanayake said that the cyclone has crossed Sri Lanka and is now moving towards the Indian coast, but its indirect effects will remain due to heavy rains and strong winds. He said that many areas of Northern, North-Central, North-Eastern and Central provinces may receive more than 100 mm of rain. More than 50 mm of rain is also expected in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces.
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