**Cyclone Ditwah Causes Fatalities and Disruption in Tamil Nadu**
As Cyclone Ditwah continues to affect southern India, Tamil Nadu has reported tragic incidents resulting in the deaths of three individuals due to rain-related events. The state government has confirmed significant disruptions across various regions, prompting emergency responses.
In separate incidents, two people lost their lives due to wall collapses in Thoothukudi and Thanjavur, while a 20-year-old man died from electrocution in Mayiladuthurai. State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister KKSSR Ramachandran provided these updates during a briefing at the State Emergency Operations Centre, noting, “Three people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents since last evening.”
The districts of Ramanathapuram and Nagapattinam have experienced severe flooding, severely impacting daily life and inundating low-lying areas. Coastal towns such as Rameswaram and Nagapattinam have been particularly affected, with local infrastructure and activities disrupted by continuous rainfall.
According to the latest bulletin from the Regional Meteorological Department, Cyclone Ditwah is currently moving northward at a speed of 7 kilometers per hour. As of Sunday afternoon, it was located approximately 100 km east-southeast of Cuddalore and about 180 km south-southeast of Chennai. The cyclone is expected to continue moving parallel to the North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast over the next 24 hours, with forecasts indicating heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several districts, including Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, and Tiruvarur.
Strong winds, reaching speeds of 60–70 km/h and gusting up to 80 km/h, are also anticipated along the coast. Fishermen have been advised to refrain from venturing out to sea due to dangerous conditions.
In response to the crisis, the Tamil Nadu government has deployed 38 disaster response teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), with ten additional teams arriving from other states to assist in relief efforts. Minister Ramachandran reported significant agricultural and livestock losses, with 149 cattle dead and 57,000 hectares of farmland affected in the delta districts. Additionally, 234 huts have been damaged, and relief camps have been established for those displaced by the rains.
Private weather observers have noted that Mayiladuthurai recorded heavy rainfall between 140 and 220 mm in the last 24 hours. While the cyclone is expected to weaken soon, the immediate focus remains on addressing the impacts of the severe weather.
**FAQ**
**What precautions should residents take during Cyclone Ditwah?**
Residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and heed warnings from local authorities. It is also important to prepare emergency kits and stay informed about weather updates.
