Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, has been placed on red alert as Cyclone Ditwah intensifies its assault on the coast, unleashing incessant and heavy rainfall across the region. The meteorological department has warned of widespread downpours, strong winds, and potential flooding in low-lying areas, prompting authorities to initiate extensive preparedness measures and urge residents to exercise extreme caution.
For the past 24 hours, Chennai has been experiencing a relentless deluge, with several areas reporting significant waterlogging and disruption to daily life. The city's drainage systems are struggling to cope with the sheer volume of water, leading to traffic snarls, power outages, and difficulties in commuting. The weather forecast indicates that the heavy rainfall is expected to persist for the next 24-48 hours, as Cyclone Ditwah slowly tracks along the coastline.
Impact and Preparedness:
- Schools and Colleges Closed: In anticipation of the severe weather conditions, the district administration has declared holidays for schools and colleges in Chennai and several other coastal districts.
- Evacuation Efforts: Authorities are closely monitoring vulnerable areas and have begun evacuating residents from low-lying coastal regions to designated relief camps. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been deployed to assist in rescue and relief operations.
- Power Supply Disruptions: Several parts of the city have reported intermittent power outages due to the heavy winds and rain affecting electricity infrastructure. Restoration work is underway where conditions permit.
- Traffic Advisory: Police have issued traffic advisories, urging commuters to avoid unnecessary travel and to be extremely cautious on waterlogged roads. Diversions have been put in place in affected areas.
- Fishermen Warned: Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea, as the waters are expected to be extremely rough with high tidal waves.
Government Response:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has convened an emergency meeting with top officials to review the situation and ensure all necessary resources are mobilised. Disaster management control rooms are operating round the clock, providing updates and responding to distress calls. Residents are advised to stay indoors, keep emergency kits ready, and follow official announcements for their safety.
The continuous downpour from Cyclone Ditwah serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of coastal cities to extreme weather events. Chennai braces itself for further challenges, hoping for the storm to subside soon, allowing for recovery and normalcy to return.
