Heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds is expected to lash Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry as the cyclonic storm ‘Ditwah’ moves parallel to the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline on Sunday.
A red alert was declared for parts of Tamil Nadu as extremely heavy rainfall is expected in some places, while heavy to very heavy rainfall is predicted at other places in the state.According to the India Meteorological Department, the cyclonic storm over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Sri Lanka moved northwards at a speed of 10 kmph during the past six hours and remained centred over the same region as of 11:30 am.The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall, and extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations over South Coastal Andhra Pradesh (SCAP) and Rayalaseema on November 30.The name 'Ditwah', meaning a lagoon, was suggested by Yemen and is likely derived from Detwah Lagoon, a large saline lagoon on the northwest coast of Socotra.
Heavy Rains in Tamil Nadu, Deputy CM on Inspection
Several districts of Tamil Nadu are receiving heavy rainfall since past two days. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin conducted field inspections in the affected areas and at the state disaster force control room in Chennai.The Deputy CM stated that complaints and requests from the public regarding rain-related issues circulating on social media have been taken up for review. Authorities have responded immediately to all grievances received, he said.
Railway Minister Reviews Preparedness
In view of Cyclone Ditwah bearing down on Tamil Nadu, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed preparedness measures on Saturday to ensure minimum disruption to rail services and passenger safety.The coastal areas expected to be hit by the impending cyclone fall mainly under the Southern Railway zone."A dedicated network of helplines and passenger-assistance desks must be established to support travellers facing uncertainties due to cancellations or rerouting," a press statement from the railway ministry said.It added that Vaishnaw has reaffirmed the commitment of the Indian Railways to public safety.The minister has instructed the officials concerned to ensure that war rooms are activated at the divisional, zonal and Railway Board levels to monitor the situation and remain alert for any extreme scenario.
Cyclone Ditwah Leaves Trail of Destruction in Sri Lanka
Cyclone Ditwah on Saturday exited Sri Lanka, leaving behind more than 120 dead, and a trail of destruction and damage to infrastructure. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday declared a state of emergency throughout the island in view of the emergency situation that has emerged due to the devastation caused by floods.India has launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to assist Sri Lanka in its hour of crisis. Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, the first tranche of relief materials were handed after the consignments were transported by Indian Navy's aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and frontline ship INS Udaigiri.The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed two transport aircraft -- C-130 and IL-76 -- carrying paramilitary personnel and relief material and 80 NDRF rescuers and specialised search dogs have been deployed to aidthe country.
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