Remnants of Cyclone Ditwah, which weakened into a deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal, continued to hover near the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coasts on Monday, triggering persistent rainfall across multiple districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the system will further weaken over the next 24 hours but is likely to remain quasi-stationary while continuing to bring intermittent showers to coastal and adjoining areas.

Widespread Rainfall Across Key Districts

Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, and Ranipet were among the most affected districts, receiving moderate but continuous rain throughout the day. According to IMD readings, Ennore in north Chennai recorded a maximum of 129.90 mm, while Utthandi saw as little as 4.80 mm. The citywide average rainfall between 8:30 am and 2 pm stood at 68.26 mm, indicative of widespread precipitation.

Private weather forecasters also noted that intense rain bands from the north were drifting into the Chennai region, supported by large cloud masses and colder convective cloud tops approaching the coast. These bands were expected to increase the rainfall intensity in the evening.

Impact on Transport, Infrastructure, and Daily Life

The continuous downpour led to waterlogging in low-lying neighbourhoods and slowed traffic across major arterial roads. Kathirapa junction experienced sluggish movement, while parts of Egmore came to a complete halt due to a fallen tree. From November 29 to December 1, around 20 trees were either uprooted or damaged citywide, and all were cleared promptly by civic workers.

Chennai Airport reported significant disruption, with ten flights to Port Blair cancelled due to heavy rain and visibility issues. Airport authorities advised passengers to check with their airlines for updated schedules. Anticipating worsening conditions later in the day, several Chennai schools declared a half-day holiday.

In Rameswaram, heavy rain left nearly 200 habitations in Thangachimadam marooned. Several interior roads were submerged, complicating movement and relief efforts for residents already dealing with prolonged rainfall over the past two days.

Government Response and Disaster Preparedness

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin held a virtual review meeting with district collectors to assess the impact of the prolonged rainfall. Particular attention was given to the Cauvery delta region, where officials from the Agriculture Department briefed him on damage to standing crops.

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) announced extensive rain management and emergency preparedness measures:

• 103 rescue boats have been deployed across vulnerable zones.
• 60 personnel from the NDRF and 30 from the SDRF remain on standby.
• Motor pumps of various capacities are positioned across all 15 GCC zones for rapid dewatering.
• A stockpile of essential supplies—such as one lakh packets of Aavin milk powder, 5 kg rice, 1 kg dal, and 1 litre palm oil—has been arranged for distribution to elderly residents and children in affected areas.
• Food relief efforts have already reached a significant scale, with 32,500 people served on November 30 and 83,600 on December 1.

These measures, the civic body said, aim to ensure quick response in case the system brings heavier spells of rain or triggers local flooding.

IMD’s Assessment of the Weather System

The IMD reported that the deep depression—formerly Cyclone Ditwah—moved northwards at a slow pace of 3 kmph over a six-hour period. As of Monday, it was centered over the west-central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal near the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry–South Andhra Pradesh coastline. The system’s location was identified as:

• 50 km east of Chennai
• 140 km northeast of Puducherry
• 160 km north-northeast of Cuddalore
• 170 km south-southeast of Nellore

The minimum distance of the system’s center from the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coastline stood at just 35 km, keeping the zone under continuous cloud cover and moderate rainfall.

The IMD forecast stated that the system would continue to move parallel to the north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts while maintaining its deep depression intensity until evening. Subsequently, it is expected to weaken into a depression over the next 12 hours.

By late evening, the center of the weakened system was projected to be positioned within 30 km of the Chennai coast, suggesting the likelihood of continued rainfall and gusty winds.

Outlook

With the cloud mass remaining close to the coast and rain bands repeatedly sweeping inland, the next 24 hours may continue to bring moderate to heavy spells across Chennai and its surrounding districts. The combined efforts of state authorities, disaster response teams, and civic agencies highlight a proactive approach toward mitigating the effects of the cyclone’s remnants.

Residents have been advised to stay alert, avoid waterlogged areas, follow traffic advisories, and rely on official communication channels for weather-related updates.