After wreaking havoc in Sri Lanka, Cyclonic Storm Ditwah is rapidly moving towards Indian coastline in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Ditwah over over Southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts has moved nearly northwards with the speed of 12 kmph during the past six hours.
As per the latest bulletin by the IMD, the cyclonic storm is located near latitude 11.4°N and longitude 80.6°E, about 100 km east-southeast of Cuddalore, 100 km east-northeast of Karaikal, 110 km southeast of Puducherry, 140 km northeast of Vedaranniyam and 180 km south-southeast of Chennai.
The minimum distance of the centre of the cyclone from north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts is about 70km.
“It is very likely to move nearly northwards parallel to North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts during next 24 hours. While moving northwards the cyclonic storm will be centered over Southwest Bay of Bengal within a minimum distance of 60 km and 30 km from the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline by afternoon and evening of today,” the IMD said.
Tamil Nadu has been witnessing heavy rainfall for the past few days. The persistent downpour has caused the flooding in the Manangkondan River in Nagapattinam district, which has cut off the road leading to Karuppapulam village.
More than 100 acres of paddy fields in this village have been completely submerged, causing severe damage to agriculture.
The Indian Air Force, which has been emgaged in relief operations in Sri Lanka, has simultaneously pressed into domestic support operations.
“An IAF C-17 has airlifted NDRF teams and equipment from Gujarat and Maharashtra to Chennai, enabling the rapid deployment of over 300 NDRF personnel and around 35 tonnes of essential gear ahead of the storm’s impact,” IAF said.
So far, five teams of six BN NDRF, equipped with FWR and CSSR assets, have been airlifted from Vadodara to Chennai for deployment in Tamil Nadu, in view of the prevailing situation due to Cyclone Ditwah.
In Puducherry, Chief Minister N. Rangaswamy reviewed the situation on the ground at Uppalam Harbour Beach, in view of the impact of Cyclone Ditwah.
He assured that steps are being taken to fulfill the needs of the people and a report on damages caused by the cyclone will be sent to the Centre.
“Wherever food is needed for people, it’s being given. We have also set up shelters in various places. Damages due to the cyclone will be assessed by our state government after the rain and it will be sent to the Union Government…,” he said.