Cyclone Ditwah Approaches Tamil Nadu-Puducherry Coast: IMD Issues Red Alert in 4 Districts

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Cyclone Ditwah, a cyclonic storm, is barreling towards the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert in four districts. According to the IMD's latest update, the storm is currently located 480 km south-southeast of Puducherry and 580 km south-southeast of Chennai, and is moving northwestwards at a speed of 8 kmph. The storm is expected to reach the southwest Bay of Bengal near the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast by November 30, bringing with it strong winds, heavy rain, and dangerous sea conditions. The IMD has warned of heavy rainfall, with the districts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai under a red alert until November 30. Red alert districts can expect extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours, while orange alert districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, and Chengalpattu, can expect very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm. Gale winds near the storm centre are expected to reach 60-80 kmph, with gusts up to 90 kmph. The IMD has also advised fishermen to avoid the south, central, southwest, and southeast Bay of Bengal for the next five days due to the storm's potential impact. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has reviewed special initiatives for disaster management, and the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority has warned of heavy rains and strong winds in South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema districts. Residents in the affected areas are advised to take necessary precautions and stay updated with the latest weather forecast to ensure their safety.