Chennai, November 29, 2025 – Rainfall triggered by Cyclone Ditwah lashed coastal areas and the Cauvery delta districts of Tamil Nadu on Saturday, causing disruptions across several districts and prompting authorities to issue safety advisories. The system, which had entered the open sea and was moving toward the Tamil Nadu coast, brought with it strong winds, high tides, and heavy downpours, affecting both urban and rural areas in the state.

A tourist van was stranded in Ramanathapuram district near a canal, but fortunately, the occupants escaped unharmed by exiting through the rear door. The incident highlighted the risks posed by the sudden intensification of rain and flooding in low-lying areas. The district administration issued warnings advising residents and tourists to avoid venturing out unnecessarily and to remain cautious while traveling during the adverse weather conditions.

Tourists were specifically advised against visiting Dhanushkodi, located at the southeastern tip of Pamban Island, west of Talaimannar in Sri Lanka. Dhanushkodi, which was devastated in the 1964 cyclone in Rameswaram, remains highly vulnerable to cyclonic activity. Authorities emphasized that precautionary measures must be observed to prevent any loss of life or accidents in such areas.

Several parts of Tamil Nadu experienced heavy rainfall as the cyclone approached. Districts including Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Thiruvidaimarudur, Kumbakonam, Papanasam, Thiruvaiyaru, Pattukottai, Cuddalore, and parts of Chennai reported significant downpours. The intensity of the rainfall led the local administration to order the closure of schools in the affected districts for the day to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Strong winds and high tides were reported particularly in Ramanathapuram and Nagapattinam districts, further complicating the situation. Residents in vulnerable coastal areas were advised to stay indoors, secure loose objects, and follow guidance from local authorities. The storm brought intermittent flooding in low-lying neighborhoods, and several roads in coastal districts were rendered temporarily impassable due to waterlogging.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) provided updates on the movement and intensity of the storm. According to the IMD, Cyclonic Storm Ditwah over coastal Sri Lanka and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards at a speed of 8 kmph over the past six hours and was centered at 5.30 am on Saturday over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Sri Lanka. The cyclone was positioned approximately 190 km south-southeast of Karaikal, 300 km south-southeast of Puducherry, and 400 km south of Chennai. The weather department forecast that Ditwah would continue its north-northwestward movement and reach over the southwest Bay of Bengal near North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts by the early morning of November 30.

Private weather bloggers and regional meteorologists noted that there had been no significant change in the cyclone’s track. They pointed out that Ditwah was moving roughly parallel to the Tamil Nadu coast and would continue to bring rainfall to coastal districts, including Chennai, Cuddalore, and Puducherry, into the night. Residents were advised to monitor updates from the IMD and local authorities, take precautions, and avoid unnecessary travel to minimize risks associated with sudden flooding and high winds.

The naming of Cyclone Ditwah has its origins in Yemen, and the term refers to a lagoon. Specifically, it is likely named after Detwah Lagoon, a large saline lagoon located on the northwest coast of Socotra Island in Yemen. The name was suggested by Yemen as part of the WMO’s naming conventions for cyclones in the North Indian Ocean, which aim to enhance awareness and improve communication about storm activity in affected regions.

In addition to its impact on infrastructure and public safety, Cyclone Ditwah has disrupted daily life in several districts. Schools, markets, and offices faced closures due to waterlogging and transportation challenges. Local administrations activated emergency response measures, including deployment of rescue teams, arrangements for temporary shelters in low-lying areas, and coordination with district authorities to manage flood-affected regions. Authorities have also issued advisories to fishermen, warning them against venturing into the sea until the cyclone passes and conditions stabilize.

Meteorologists have highlighted that cyclones moving parallel to the coast can result in prolonged periods of rainfall, raising the risk of flooding, waterlogging, and coastal erosion. The current track of Ditwah, running close to the Tamil Nadu coastline, underscores the need for vigilance in affected districts, especially in regions historically prone to storm surges and tidal flooding. Residents are being urged to follow official advisories, secure their properties, and remain indoors until the storm weakens.

The Cauvery delta districts, including Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Kumbakonam, are particularly vulnerable to cyclonic rainfall due to their low-lying topography and network of canals and rivers. Heavy rain in these districts increases the risk of overflowing canals, inundation of paddy fields, and damage to crops, affecting both agriculture and the livelihood of farmers. Local administrations have been closely monitoring river levels and are prepared to evacuate residents in case of sudden flooding.

Chennai, being an urban coastal hub, faced waterlogging in several low-lying neighborhoods, with the monsoon-like conditions compounding challenges already faced during the post-monsoon season. Residents were advised to avoid travel unless essential and to take precautions against waterborne diseases, which often increase in the aftermath of prolonged rainfall and flooding.

Cyclone Ditwah’s progression has also drawn attention to the broader need for disaster preparedness and coastal management. Authorities continue to emphasize early warnings, timely dissemination of information, and public awareness campaigns to minimize loss of life and property. The IMD has advised all stakeholders, including municipal bodies, district administrations, and emergency services, to remain on high alert and ensure that adequate resources are available for immediate response.

In conclusion, Cyclone Ditwah has brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and high tides to Tamil Nadu’s coastal and delta districts, impacting daily life, agriculture, and public safety. While the cyclone remains offshore, its effects are being felt across multiple districts, prompting precautionary measures and advisories from both the state government and the IMD. Residents are urged to stay informed, follow official instructions, and exercise caution as the storm progresses along its north-northwestward track. The coming days will be critical in assessing the full impact of Ditwah, with authorities prepared to respond to emergencies and mitigate the cyclone’s effects on life and infrastructure.