Cyclone Ditwah Intensifies: IMD Issues 'Orange' Alert for Coastal Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry

Note: A 'Red' alert (warning of extremely heavy rainfall) has also been issued for some specific coastal districts in Tamil Nadu (like Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai) and Andhra Pradesh (like Prakasam, Nellore, Tirupati, etc.) for peak days (Nov 29 and 30).

Cyclone Status and Forecast

• Name Origin: The name 'Ditwah' was contributed by Yemen and refers to the famous Detwah Lagoon on Socotra island.
• Current Position: The storm formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal, near the coastal areas of Sri Lanka, and is currently moving in a north-northwest direction.
• Rainfall Prediction: Heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated spells of extremely heavy rain (over 204 mm in 24 hours), is forecasted for the alerted coastal regions. This intense rainfall is expected from November 28 to December 1.
• Wind Speed: Gale winds reaching speeds of 60-80 kmph, gusting up to 90 kmph, are expected near the storm's center, impacting coastal areas.
• Other Affected Regions: Heavy rainfall is also anticipated in parts of Kerala and Mahe (Yellow Alert), and later in isolated places over South Interior Karnataka and Telangana.

Disaster Preparedness

Authorities in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, including the State Disaster Management Authorities, have convened meetings to review and implement precautionary measures.

• Fishermen Advisory: Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the affected stretches of the Bay of Bengal, the Gulf of Mannar, and the Comorin area till December 1. Those already at sea are instructed to return to the coast immediately.
• Public Safety: Residents in the alerted areas are urged to stay indoors, secure loose objects, and avoid going near old structures, trees, and lamp posts. Disaster management control rooms have been activated for emergency coordination.