Heavy Rains Batter Tamil Nadu as Cyclone Ditwah Remnants Lash the Coastline

Tamil Nadu continues to experience moderate to heavy rainfall as the remnants of Cyclone Ditwah linger near the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts. Several districts including Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, and Ranipet have been affected by persistent downpours, causing waterlogging and disruptions in daily life. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed the cyclone has weakened into a deep depression but remains stationary, expected to continue affecting the region for the next 24 hours.

The heavy rains resulted in the cancellation of ten flights from Chennai Airport to Port Blair, prompting airport authorities to advise passengers to stay in touch with their airlines for updated schedules. In addition, significant waterlogging has been reported in multiple areas across Chennai, with district officials placing boats on standby for potential rescue operations, particularly in heavily inundated localities such as Velachery.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin convened an emergency meeting with district collectors and agriculture officials to assess the impact of the rains. Special attention was given to the Cauvery delta region, where standing crops have suffered damage due to excessive rainfall. The Chief Minister's early response underscores the government’s commitment to managing the situation and supporting affected residents.

Also Read: Cyclone Ditwah Floods Tamil Nadu Delta; Seawater Inundates Over 2 Lakh Acres of Paddy

The IMD bulletin detailed the current position and movement of the system, noting that the deep depression lies approximately 50 kilometers east-southeast of Chennai and is moving slowly northwards along the coast at about 5 kmph. Despite weakening, the system’s proximity to the coast continues to bring heavy rains. Weather experts warn that intense convection will likely cause intermittent showers to persist over Chennai and neighboring districts.

Meanwhile, residents of Rameswaram face ongoing difficulties, with nearly 200 habitations in Thangachimadam remaining marooned by continued rainfall over the past two days. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, prepared to deploy further relief as needed to address flooding and other weather-related challenges.

Also Read: IAF Airlifts 200 Indians From Sri Lanka After Cyclone Ditwah Devastation