Cyclone Ditwah has unleashed heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming lives, according to state authorities. As of Sunday, three people have died, 234 huts have been damaged, and over 56,000 hectares of farmland have been inundated, highlighting the severity of the storm. The state Disaster Management Minister, K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran, provided a detailed account of the ongoing crisis and the government’s preparedness measures to mitigate its impact.

Human and Livestock Impact
The rainfall associated with Cyclone Ditwah has had a devastating effect on communities in several districts. Three people lost their lives in rain-related incidents since the previous evening. In addition, the cyclone has claimed the lives of 149 livestock, further compounding the difficulties faced by farmers and rural households in the affected regions.

Farmland Flooding
Cyclone Ditwah has caused extensive agricultural damage, with roughly 56,000 hectares of farmland flooded. The hardest-hit districts include Nagapattinam (24,000 hectares), Tiruvarur (15,000 hectares), and Mayiladuthurai (8,000 hectares). This large-scale inundation poses significant challenges to farmers, many of whom may face crop losses and long-term financial strain.

Relief Measures and Preparedness
In anticipation of the cyclone, Tamil Nadu authorities have mobilized significant relief efforts across the state. 38 relief camps have been established in vulnerable districts to accommodate displaced persons, with a total capacity for 2,391 individuals. The distribution of these camps is as follows:

• Pudukkottai: 9 camps
• Mayiladuthurai: 2 camps
• Ramanathapuram: 2 camps
• Tiruvarur: 4 camps
• Thanjavur: 2 camps
• Nagapattinam: 10 camps
• Ranipet: 1 camp
• Chengalpattu: 1 camp
• Viluppuram: 7 camps

The state has also deployed 38 disaster response teams, including 12 NDRF teams, 16 TNDRF teams, and 10 additional NDRF units, to assist in evacuation, rescue, and relief operations. The Deputy Chief Minister personally inspected the Disaster Management Control Room and the Chennai Corporation Control Room late on Saturday night to ensure that preparedness measures were fully operational.

Cyclone Trajectory and IMD Warnings
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining southern Andhra Pradesh as Cyclone Ditwah continues its northward progression along the southwest Bay of Bengal. According to the IMD update at 5:30 am on Sunday, the cyclone moved nearly northwards at a speed of 7 kmph over the preceding six hours. It was centered over the Bay of Bengal, adjacent to the North Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coastline.

The IMD stated that the cyclone is expected to continue moving parallel to the coast over the next 24 hours, with the minimum distance from the coast narrowing to 30 km by Sunday evening. This proximity increases the risk of intensified rainfall, strong gusty winds, and potential flooding, particularly in coastal districts.

District-wise Impact
Some of the districts witnessing severe rainfall and waterlogging include Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Villupuram, Chengalpattu, Pudukkottai, Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Tiruchirappalli, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet, along with the union territory of Puducherry and Karaikal. Low-lying areas, particularly along river basins and coastal belts, have experienced significant inundation, disrupting normal life and communication networks.

Infrastructure and Housing Damage
Cyclone Ditwah has caused 234 huts to be damaged, affecting hundreds of residents in rural areas. Many of these huts were low-cost dwellings that were particularly vulnerable to strong winds and heavy rainfall. The government has assured that post-rainfall, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will assess the damages and announce relief measures for affected households, including monetary compensation, temporary shelters, and assistance for rebuilding homes.

Farm and Livelihood Concerns
The flooding of 56,000 hectares of farmland has raised serious concerns for farmers, particularly in Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, and Mayiladuthurai districts. The loss of standing crops, along with the damage to irrigation and rural infrastructure, threatens livelihoods and may result in long-term economic hardships. Government officials are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities to provide immediate relief and support to farmers affected by the inundation.

Ongoing Evacuation and Safety Measures
Disaster management authorities have emphasized the importance of community awareness and timely evacuation. Residents in vulnerable coastal areas have been advised to move to relief camps, while fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea due to rough conditions. High surface winds of 60–70 kmph, gusting up to 80 kmph, have been reported along the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast, further heightening risks for residents and travelers.

Government Response
The Tamil Nadu government has taken proactive measures, including establishing relief camps, mobilizing disaster response teams, and setting up monitoring systems to track the cyclone’s movement. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran highlighted the coordinated efforts, assuring citizens that all possible steps are being taken to mitigate the impact of the cyclone. Authorities are prioritizing the safety of human life, livestock, and property and are prepared to respond to emergencies as they arise.

Conclusion
Cyclone Ditwah continues to pose a significant threat to Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining regions. With heavy rainfall, flooding of farmlands, destruction of homes, and loss of life already reported, the focus remains on disaster management, evacuation, and relief operations. State authorities, in close coordination with the IMD and NDRF teams, are working around the clock to minimize the cyclone’s impact and provide timely assistance to affected communities.

As the storm tracks northwards along the coast, residents are advised to stay indoors, follow government advisories, and move to relief shelters if necessary. The government has pledged to assess damages and provide compensation and relief measures promptly once the cyclone passes, ensuring that affected families and farmers receive support in rebuilding their lives.