Cyclone Ditwah, once a powerful storm system, has begun to lose strength as it drifts over the Bay of Bengal, but its impact continues to shape the weather and living conditions across Tamil Nadu. The storm’s weakening comes on the heels of a catastrophic landfall in Sri Lanka, where hundreds have been killed and many more remain missing. As the deep depression moves along the coastline, residents across Chennai and other coastal districts remain on alert for heavy rainfall, local disruptions, and safety concerns.
Though Chennai recorded measured rainfall through Sunday, the Indian Meteorological Department has warned that cloud bands associated with the system may continue to bring intense showers through Monday morning. Several coastal districts are expected to experience extremely heavy rain and high-velocity winds, prompting authorities to maintain preparedness and relief measures. Tamil Nadu’s civic agencies, disaster response teams, and railway authorities are working around the clock to mitigate risks and minimize disruptions.
Even as the storm weakens, the broader humanitarian narrative continues to unfold. Sri Lanka, the first to face Ditwah’s full force, is grappling with mass casualties and missing persons, while India has begun supporting rescue and relief operations there. Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, both urban and rural regions face challenges ranging from infrastructure disruptions to agricultural damage, signaling the far-reaching impact of a system that is no longer at peak strength but still potent enough to cause concern.
Impact of Cyclone Ditwah on Sri Lanka
The weakening of Cyclone Ditwah follows a devastating landfall in Sri Lanka, where the storm left behind widespread destruction. Local disaster management authorities have confirmed a death toll of 334 lives lost, with more than 300 individuals still missing. Entire villages have been severely affected, with homes destroyed, roads washed out, and communication systems disrupted.
Rescue operations in Sri Lanka remain urgent and ongoing. The damage to infrastructure has slowed movement across several districts, prompting the government to request international support. India has responded by deploying medical teams, relief materials, and emergency personnel to assist with operations on the ground.
This tragic impact underscores the massive scale of Ditwah’s power during its landfall. While the storm has weakened significantly since entering the Bay of Bengal, its consequences continue to shape regional weather systems and humanitarian responses across the subcontinent.
Rainfall and Conditions Across Tamil Nadu
As Ditwah weakened into a deep depression, Tamil Nadu experienced intermittent but intensifying showers. The Indian Meteorological Department issued a red warning for coastal districts including Chennai, Cuddalore, Puducherry, and parts of Andhra Pradesh. Areas such as Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Ranipet, and Chengalpattu have been identified as highly vulnerable to extremely heavy rainfall.
Wind speeds near the storm system have been recorded up to 80 kmph, posing threats to coastal and marine activity. Fishermen have been strictly advised to avoid venturing into the sea until the conditions stabilize. The impact has been particularly visible in Chennai, where steady rainfall averaged around 3 cm, with Ennore receiving a higher figure of 5.58 cm.
Residents in Chennai, still wary of the severe flooding episodes from previous monsoon seasons, prepared for the worst. However, the weather largely remained moderate through Sunday, providing temporary relief even as further rainfall warnings remain active. Authorities continue to monitor cloud movements to anticipate sudden changes.
Preparedness and Relief Measures in Chennai
Local authorities in Chennai executed rapid-response strategies to reduce the storm's impact on infrastructure and daily life. More than 22,000 civic workers were deployed across the city to manage water stagnation, clear debris, and maintain road access. Stormwater pumps were activated in key locations, including the vulnerable stretches of Thiruvottiyur High Road.
Seven uprooted trees were cleared within hours to prevent traffic snarls and road hazards. In addition, the city administration set up 20 medical camps and distributed over 32,500 food packets to residents living in low-lying and flood-prone neighborhoods such as Sholinganallur, Velachery, and Adyar.
These proactive measures helped maintain normalcy in the city despite the ongoing weather threat. Chennai’s disaster management systems have evolved significantly in recent years, and the current response reflects a focus on minimizing danger and ensuring preparedness for escalating conditions.
Statewide Damage and Losses
The effects of Cyclone Ditwah were felt across the broader Tamil Nadu region, where several districts reported tragic loss of life. Three rain-related deaths were confirmed—two due to wall collapses in Thanjavur and Tuticorin, and one electrocution incident in Mayiladuthurai. These incidents highlight both the unpredictability and severity of heavy rainfall events.
Agricultural zones endured significant damage. More than 57,000 hectares of farmland in the Cauvery delta were inundated, affecting paddy fields, vegetable crops, and horticulture output. For many farmers, the cyclone added to an already challenging monsoon season, with long-term financial implications expected.
The Southern Railway initiated emergency protocols to safeguard passenger safety and protect railway infrastructure along the coastal corridor. Train services were monitored closely, and delay notifications were issued in areas susceptible to flooding and track obstruction.
Forecast and Weather Outlook
Meteorologists predict that the deep depression will continue to weaken further as it moves inland. However, the cloud bands extending outward from the system are expected to fuel rainfall through Monday morning. Coastal districts remain under close observation, and additional warnings may be issued depending on atmospheric developments.
The IMD’s continuous updates have been crucial in helping authorities plan evacuation measures where necessary. With saturated soil conditions across several districts, even moderate rainfall could trigger localized flooding, prompting ongoing vigilance.
The name Ditwah, suggested by Yemen, refers to a saltwater lagoon—a symbolic contrast to the destructive weather system that swept across multiple countries. As the storm continues to dissipate, efforts will shift toward recovery, damage assessment, and long-term rehabilitation across affected regions.
Broader Regional Implications
Ditwah’s path has highlighted the interconnected nature of weather systems across South Asia. Sri Lanka's humanitarian crisis, Tamil Nadu’s infrastructural strain, and marine disruptions across the Bay of Bengal point to the vast geographical reach of the storm.
India's ongoing assistance to Sri Lanka reflects regional cooperation in disaster management. The speed and scale of relief deployment will play a critical role in minimizing long-term effects on vulnerable communities. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu’s coordinated disaster response may serve as a model for future weather-related emergencies.
As recovery efforts begin and rainfall gradually subsides, the focus will shift to rebuilding stronger infrastructure, improving forecasting mechanisms, and enhancing community-level resilience to future cyclonic events. The impact of Cyclone Ditwah—both as a storm and as a humanitarian crisis—will remain a significant reference point for regional climate preparedness.
Also Read: Winter Session Opens Amid Uproar Over SIR, BLO Suicides
About the Author:
Harshit Raj
