Cyclone Ditwah continues to cause rough sea conditions and heavy rainfall along the Puducherry and Karaikal coasts. At Nallavadu fishing village in Puducherry, sea waves have been rising to over 10 feet, resulting in coastal erosion. As a precaution, fishermen have shifted and anchored more than 500 boats about 50 feet away from the shoreline. Fishermen are not venturing into the sea and are securing their nets and boats.
At Sunnambu Kaadu in Nonankuppam, boats have been tied to trees along the shore to prevent damage. In Karaikal, continuous heavy rain, squally winds and rough sea conditions have been reported since last night. A 30-member NDRF team from Arakkonam has arrived for rescue operations. An emergency review meeting was held by Puducherry Civil Supplies Minister P. R. N. Thirumurugan along with District Collector Pooja and senior officials to assess the rain situation and preparedness.
The Minister said major stormwater drains had been desilted in advance, helping reduce water stagnation. Pumping operations are underway in low-lying areas. All departments have been placed on high alert as more heavy rainfall is forecast. A total of 91 relief centres have been kept ready, and control rooms have been activated. People seeking assistance may contact 1070 or 1077. Senior officials and NDRF personnel inspected affected coastal and urban areas to monitor clearing and rescue operations.
