🌀 Cyclone Ditwah Weakens Near T.N. Coast: Deep Depression Continues to Bring Heavy Rain

The severe cyclonic storm Ditwah has significantly weakened as it approaches the coastlines of North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. As of Monday, December 1, 2025, the system has degraded from a cyclonic storm into a deep depression, according to the latest bulletin from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

While the risk of a full-scale cyclone landfall has effectively diminished, the remnants of the storm continue to feed intense moisture onto the coast, leading to widespread, heavy rainfall and localized flooding in several districts.

---

🗺️ Current Status and Forecast (December 1, 2025)

The weather system is still close to the coastline, causing continuous wet conditions and turbulent seas.

• System Status: Deep Depression (Remnant of Cyclonic Storm Ditwah).

• Location (As of Nov 30, 2330 IST): Centered over the southwest Bay of Bengal, approximately 90 km south-southeast of Chennai and 90 km east-southeast of Puducherry.

• Movement: Moving nearly northwards, parallel to the North Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coasts.

• IMD Forecast: The system is very likely to weaken further into a depression by Monday afternoon (December 1). No landfall is expected on the Indian coast; the system is expected to dissipate over the open water.

🌧️ Persistent Rainfall Warning

Despite the weakening, the deep depression's proximity to the coast means the threat of heavy to very heavy rainfall persists throughout Monday.

• Red/Orange Alert Areas: Coastal districts in North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are still under high alert. Heavy to very heavy rain is likely in districts including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Ranipet.

• Andhra Pradesh Impact: Rainfall is expected to intensify across Southern Coastal Andhra Pradesh (SCAP) and Rayalaseema, with districts like Nellore and Tirupati preparing for heavy to very heavy rain.

• Wind and Sea Conditions: Strong surface winds (up to 60-70 kmph, gusting to 80 kmph) will continue along the coast. Sea conditions remain high to very rough, but are expected to gradually improve from Monday afternoon. Fishermen are strictly advised to stay ashore.

---

💔 Impact and Response

The storm has already caused significant damage, particularly in neighboring Sri Lanka, and continues to disrupt normal life in coastal India.

Casualties and Damage in Tamil Nadu:

• Fatalities: At least three fatalities have been reported in rain-related incidents across Tamil Nadu (due to wall collapses and electrocution).

• Agriculture: Nearly 90,000 hectares of farmland, primarily standing paddy crops in the Cauvery delta districts, have been submerged, causing extensive agricultural damage.

• Infrastructure: Authorities have confirmed the loss of livestock and damage to huts across affected districts.

Government Response:

• Precautionary Closures: All schools and colleges in Chennai and several adjoining districts (including Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu) remain closed on Monday, December 1.

• Disaster Teams: State and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams remain deployed in vulnerable districts.

• Relief Camps: Thousands of relief camps have been set up and activated across the coastal belt.