Cyclone Ditwah is intensifying. The storm, which is currently moving across coastal Sri Lanka, is now bearing down on the north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts, leading to mass disruptions and high alert declarations across the region.
The Trajectory and Gale Warning
The system is currently centered over the southwest Bay of Bengal, about $300$ km south-southeast of Puducherry and $400$ km south of Chennai. The IMD forecast is clear:
Approach: It will continue moving north-northwestwards and is expected to reach the North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts by early morning on Sunday.
Wind Speeds: Squally winds are prevailing, but they are forecast to escalate significantly. Gale-force speeds are expected to peak between Saturday and Sunday morning, hitting $70$–$80$ kmph, gusting up to $90$ kmph. Conditions at sea are already ranging from rough to very rough and will escalate to high. Fishermen have been strictly warned to stay ashore.
Chennai Airport Gridlock and Closures
The moment the storm trajectory became certain, authorities started shutting things down.
Flights Grounded: Chennai Airport has cancelled 54 scheduled flights, both arrivals and departures, due to the forecast of extremely heavy rainfall and strong, cyclonic winds. This includes regional services to destinations like Madurai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. Passengers have been advised to avoid travel to the airport.
Education Halted: Schools and colleges are shut down today in multiple districts. We are seeing full holidays declared in: Perambalur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore, Kallakurichi, Pudukottai, Puducherry, and Karaikal. Pondicherry Central University has also postponed all scheduled exams.
Aid and Devastation: The Sri Lanka Angle
The story is grim in Sri Lanka. The cyclone has already caused immense damage there, and the human cost is severe.
Death Toll: The current reported death count has risen to 69, with 34 people still reported missing.
Indian Relief: India has swiftly launched ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ to assist its neighbor. An Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft landed in Colombo with nearly $12$ tonnes of relief material, including tents, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items. This is guided by the ‘Neighbourhood First policy’.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has held consultations with $14$ District Collectors regarding precautionary measures. Additionally, 16 SDRF and 12 NDRF teams have been deployed to the districts expected to face the heaviest impact.
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