Chennai, November 30, 2025 – Tamil Nadu is grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which has triggered heavy rains and caused significant loss of life and property across the state. According to Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management, KKSSR Ramachandran, three people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents since Saturday evening, while extensive agricultural damage has been reported in the delta districts. The minister provided details of the ongoing relief efforts and the extent of the impact during a briefing at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) on Sunday.

Human Toll

The three fatalities occurred under different circumstances linked to the extreme weather. In Tuticorin and Thanjavur, two individuals lost their lives due to wall collapses, highlighting the vulnerability of structures in the face of prolonged and heavy rainfall. In Mayiladuthurai, a 20-year-old youth was electrocuted, a tragic reminder of the dangers posed by waterlogged areas and live electrical connections during heavy rains.

Minister Ramachandran emphasized that the state government is closely monitoring affected districts and coordinating with local authorities to prevent further casualties. “Whatever assistance they seek will be provided immediately after being brought to the notice of the Chief Minister,” he said, reiterating the government’s commitment to timely relief and rehabilitation.

Agricultural Impact

Cyclone Ditwah has caused widespread damage to farmland, particularly in the fertile delta districts of Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, and Mayiladuthurai. According to official estimates:

• Nagapattinam: 24,000 hectares affected
• Thiruvarur: 15,000 hectares affected
• Mayiladuthurai: 8,000 hectares affected

In total, 57,000 hectares of agricultural land have been submerged due to incessant rainfall. The flooding has affected paddy fields, vegetable crops, and other plantations, raising concerns about crop losses and potential food supply disruptions in the coming months.

The minister also reported the death of 149 cattle, underscoring the toll on livestock and the rural economy. Damage to nearly 234 huts in the delta districts further reflects the scale of property destruction caused by the heavy rains.

Relief Measures and Disaster Response

In response to the situation, the Tamil Nadu government has deployed 28 disaster response teams, including units from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Additionally, 10 more teams have arrived from other states to assist in relief and rehabilitation efforts. These teams are tasked with providing immediate assistance, including rescue operations, evacuation, and distribution of food and essential supplies in severely affected areas.

The SEOC has been in constant touch with district administrations, particularly in coastal towns and rain-affected regions, to assess requirements and provide necessary support. Minister Ramachandran assured the public that the administration is prioritizing both human safety and property protection, with an emphasis on reaching areas that are difficult to access due to waterlogging and infrastructural damage.

Rainfall Data

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported substantial rainfall across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry over the past 24 hours. Notably:

• Karaikal (Puducherry): 19 cm
• Sembanarkoil (Mayiladuthurai district): 17 cm as of 8:30 am on Sunday

These figures highlight the intensity of Cyclone Ditwah’s impact in the delta regions, which are particularly susceptible to flooding due to low-lying topography and dense agricultural activity. Meteorologists have warned that heavy rainfall may continue intermittently, necessitating vigilance in affected areas.

Challenges in the Delta Districts

The delta districts, known as the “rice bowl” of Tamil Nadu, are highly fertile but prone to flooding, especially during cyclonic activity. Submerged agricultural fields can lead to delayed sowing and crop loss, affecting farmers’ livelihoods and regional food security. Additionally, waterlogging in residential areas increases the risk of waterborne diseases and disrupts daily life for rural communities.

The fatalities and property damage underline the vulnerability of infrastructure in these regions. Many houses are poorly constructed and unable to withstand prolonged heavy rainfall, while open drainage systems and exposed electrical lines pose additional hazards to residents.

Government Coordination and Communication

Minister Ramachandran emphasized the proactive coordination between the state government and central agencies, ensuring that relief measures are implemented efficiently. He noted that the control room at the SEOC is in constant communication with district officials to monitor flood-prone areas and respond to emerging situations.

Local authorities have been directed to identify the most affected villages and provide immediate medical, food, and shelter support to residents. Evacuation plans are being readied for areas where water levels continue to rise, and temporary relief camps have been set up to house displaced families.

The government is also collaborating with electricity boards, public health departments, and agricultural officers to restore essential services and mitigate further damage. These measures include repairing damaged power lines, ensuring safe drinking water, and distributing fodder and seed materials to affected farmers.

Broader Impact and Preparedness

Cyclone Ditwah is part of a series of intense weather systems affecting Tamil Nadu and other coastal states in recent years. Climate experts note that increasing frequency of cyclones and extreme rainfall events poses challenges for disaster preparedness, particularly in low-lying agricultural and urban areas.

The state’s disaster management framework has been strengthened over the years, with SDRF and NDRF teams trained in rescue operations, and real-time monitoring systems set up to predict floods and cyclone impact. However, the scale of Cyclone Ditwah’s impact underscores the need for long-term investment in resilient infrastructure, better drainage systems, and community awareness programs to reduce vulnerability.

Looking Ahead

Authorities are closely monitoring weather updates and coordinating relief operations across the delta districts. Minister Ramachandran assured that additional resources and personnel will be deployed as required, emphasizing that “every possible effort will be made to protect lives and property.”

Farmers and residents in the affected regions have been urged to stay alert, avoid venturing into waterlogged areas, and follow instructions from local authorities. The state government has also appealed to non-governmental organizations and community volunteers to support relief operations, particularly in remote villages that may face delays in receiving assistance.

Conclusion

Cyclone Ditwah has had a significant human and economic impact in Tamil Nadu, claiming three lives, damaging homes, and submerging thousands of hectares of farmland. The swift deployment of disaster response teams, coordination with central agencies, and proactive monitoring by the SEOC highlight the government’s commitment to mitigating the impact of extreme weather events.

As relief and rehabilitation efforts continue, attention will also turn to rebuilding infrastructure, supporting affected farmers, and restoring normalcy in the delta districts. The event serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of coastal and agricultural regions to climate-related disasters and the importance of preparedness, resilient infrastructure, and timely intervention to save lives and protect livelihoods.

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