India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Puducherry in view of Cyclone Ditwah over the southwest Bay of Bengal. A 60-member National Disaster Response Force team from Arakkonam arrived in Puducherry today and held discussions with District Collector. The team will be deployed in coastal and riverine areas for rescue and relief operations. One team has also been sent to Karaikal. The District Collector has said that rainfall up to 20 centimeter is expected due to Cyclone Ditwah. 

 

To meet any emergency, 312 temporary relief camps have been set up, and 16 inter-departmental emergency teams comprising Revenue, Police, Fire and Rescue Services, Public Works, and Fisheries Departments have been formed.

 

A 24-hour control room is functioning, and the public can contact 112, 1070, or 1077 for assistance. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea. District administration has appealed to the public not to step out unnecessarily for the next two days and to keep essential items stocked.