The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that cyclone Ditwah has developed in the southwest Bay of Bengal and is heading towards Tamil Nadu, coastal Andhra and Puducherry. IMD said the cyclone will bring heavy rainfall to the eastern coast of India till December 1. Heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds are expected across southern states. 

 

Tamil Nadu’s southern districts, including Ramanathapuram, have been receiving continuous rains in the past week. Now with Cyclone Ditwah approaching the coasts of the State, the weather department has predicted heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in some areas of the Delta districts and Ramanthapuram and the Gulf of Mannar for the next 48 hours.

 

Tiruvallur, Chennai, Chengalpet, Kancheepuram, and Ranipet districts are also likely to witness heavy to very heavy rains during the next two days.

 

Due to the squally winds, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Sea . Local warning Signal Number 4 has been hoisted at Pamban, Thoothukudi, Nagapattinam and Karaikal Ports. Due to squally weather, trains at Rameswaram Pamban have been going slowly.

 

Executive engineers of the public water resources department in the delta areas and Northern districts have been asked to monitor the water levels in irrigation canals and reservoirs and alert the concerned authorities.

 

Already, surplus water in canals has been released as a safety measure with the prediction of heavy rains. District authorities have been advised to take immediate remedial steps in case of an emergency.