Tamil Nadu Braces for Cyclone Ditwah: 54 Flights Canceled, Schools Shut as Storm Nears
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Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are on high alert as Cyclone Ditwah intensifies and moves towards the north coast, prompting widespread safety measures. The storm, currently over coastal Sri Lanka and the Bay of Bengal, has claimed 69 lives and left 34 people missing in Sri Lanka. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts Cyclone Ditwah to reach the Tamil Nadu coast by November 30, bringing extremely heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible urban flooding. Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid travel as the storm approaches. Key updates: 1. Wind speeds along the coast have reached 50-60 kmph, with gusts of up to 70 kmph. Expect stronger winds of 70-80 kmph and gusts of 90 kmph by Saturday morning. 2. In response to the impending cyclone, Chennai Airport has canceled 54 flights, citing extremely heavy rain and strong winds forecast by the IMD. 3. Schools and colleges in several districts across Tamil Nadu will remain closed on Saturday, including Perambalur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore, Kallakurichi, Pudukottai, Puducherry, and Karaikal. 4. In Villupuram, Thanjavur, and Tiruchi, only schools are shut, while colleges will function unless further orders are given. 5. Chennai and neighboring districts are under high alert for strong winds and intense rain. The Indian government has sent relief supplies to Sri Lanka, which has suffered extensive damage from the cyclone. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has instructed authorities to work with the Indian Embassy in Colombo to assist stranded passengers and provide humanitarian aid. Residents are advised to stay away from waterlogged areas and avoid unnecessary travel. Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea due to rough waves and powerful winds. The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued warnings of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several Tamil Nadu districts, and tourists have been advised to avoid visiting vulnerable areas like Dhanushkodi.
