Cyclonic Storm Ditwah Approaches Tamil Nadu, Heavy Rainfall Expected

The Chennai Meteorological Department has issued a warning regarding **Cyclonic Storm Ditwah**, which is currently positioned over coastal Sri Lanka and the adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal. As of 08:30 IST on November 29, 2023, the storm has moved north-northwest at a speed of **10 km/h**. The system is located approximately **40 km** southwest of Trincomalee and **100 km** northwest of Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. On the Indian side, it is situated about **320 km** south-southeast of Karaikal, **430 km** south-southeast of Puducherry, and **530 km** south of Chennai.

The Meteorological Department indicates that Cyclonic Storm Ditwah is expected to continue its north-northwest trajectory, crossing the Sri Lanka coast and reaching the southwest Bay of Bengal near the coasts of **North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry**, and southern **Andhra Pradesh** by the early morning of **November 30, 2023**.

Precautionary Measures and Deployment of NDRF Teams

In anticipation of the storm’s approach, the **National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)** has mobilized teams across several districts in Tamil Nadu. This deployment follows requests from the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry State Disaster Management Authorities. A total of **eight NDRF teams**, each comprising **30 personnel**, have been dispatched to ensure safety and conduct precautionary operations.

Specifically, **Puducherry** will receive **two teams**, while districts including **Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukkottai, Cuddalore**, and **Tiruvarur** will each host one team. Additionally, the deployment includes a **Search Dog Unit**, featuring four trained sniffer dogs named **Rani, Mickey, Laika**, and **Rambo**. These dogs play a crucial role in helping rescuers locate individuals trapped under debris during disasters.

The **Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority** has also alerted residents about the expected heavy rainfall in coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema on **November 30** and **December 1**, due to Cyclonic Storm Ditwah. **Prakhar Jain**, Managing Director of the Disaster Management Authority, stated, “Over the past six hours, the cyclone has moved at a speed of **8 km/h**. The storm is likely to reach the Southwest Bay of Bengal near the North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and South Andhra coastal areas by the day after tomorrow.”

Farmers have been advised to take necessary precautions during agricultural activities, while fishermen are urged to refrain from venturing into the sea during the storm’s impact.

As Cyclonic Storm Ditwah progresses, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts to ensure public safety. Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to heed official warnings and prepare for potential disruptions caused by heavy rains and strong winds.