Chennai: Chennai grappled with heavy rains on Tuesday as the remnants of Cyclone Ditwah, which weakened into a depression, lashed the city, prompting the cancellation of 18 domestic flights at Chennai Airport and the closure of schools and colleges. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) placed 107 boats on standby to rescue residents from low-lying areas and transport them to relief centers if needed. The city remained on orange alert throughout the day.

Several parts of Chennai recorded extremely heavy rainfall, with Ennore receiving 260 mm, Parrys 250 mm, Ice House 220 mm, and smaller amounts in Manali New Town and Ponneri (21 mm). Numerous arterial roads and subways were waterlogged, severely disrupting traffic. Officials were seen wading through ankle-deep water while inspecting affected localities.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal, affecting north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and the south Andhra Pradesh coasts, was moving slowly southwards at 3 kmph as of 8:30 am, about 40 km east of Chennai. The IMD noted that the center of the depression was just 25 km from the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coasts, and forecast that it would weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area within 12 hours.

Preparedness measures included 300 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 50 from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) stationed in the city. A total of 1,496 motor pumps, including 170 high-capacity 100 HP pumps and 550 tractor-mounted pumps, were deployed across 15 zones to drain waterlogged areas.

The Chennai Police reported that 48 trees had fallen on December 1, and 10 residents from low-lying areas were rescued and moved to temporary shelters. Authorities advised citizens to remain cautious and follow updates. Chennai Airport posted flight cancellations on X, urging passengers to check with airlines for the latest information.

The city continues to deal with the aftereffects of the cyclone, with officials monitoring rainfall and flood situations while ensuring the safety of residents.