Cyclone Ditwah has weakened into a deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal and continues to track northwards at around 10 kmph, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said early Monday. The system is expected to lose strength further and downgrade into a depression by Monday noon as it moves along the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coasts.
The IMD said the centre of the deep depression was located just 50 km off the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry shoreline in its 2 am bulletin. A red alert had been issued earlier for north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjacent south Andhra Pradesh coasts.
Tamil Nadu’s revenue and disaster management minister KKSSR Ramachandran confirmed that three people have died in weather-related incidents triggered by the cyclone.
Key Updates on Cyclone Ditwah
1. Cyclone turns into deep depression
The storm weakened on Sunday night and was centred over the southwest Bay of Bengal at 11:30 pm, moving steadily northwards.
2. Current location
According to IMD:
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90 km south-southeast of Chennai
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90 km east-southeast of Puducherry
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110 km east-northeast of Cuddalore
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180 km north-northeast of Karaikal
3. Expected movement
The system will continue moving nearly northwards along the coast and weaken into a depression by Monday noon. It is expected to pass at a minimum distance of 30 km from the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coastline.
4. Rainfall forecast
As the system weakens:
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Heavy to very heavy rain is likely at isolated spots in Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Vellore and Ranipet.
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Light to moderate rain is expected across many districts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, with occasional thunderstorms and lightning.
5. Wind warning
Gale winds may reach:
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60–70 kmph, gusting to 80 kmph over north coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal
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55–65 kmph, gusting to 75 kmph over surrounding coastal districts
6. Andhra Pradesh & Odisha impact
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South coastal Andhra & Rayalaseema: Widespread rain; isolated heavy showers
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North coastal Andhra: Light to moderate rain with isolated heavy rainfall
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South Odisha: Light to moderate rain at many places; isolated heavy rain
7. Sri Lanka devastation
Sri Lanka’s disaster management agency reported a steep rise in casualties:
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Death toll: 334
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Missing: nearly 400
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Affected population: over 1.3 million
8. Operation Sagar Bandhu
The final batch of stranded Indian nationals has been evacuated from Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo. Another Indian Air Force aircraft carrying emergency relief supplies reached Sri Lanka on Sunday as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu.
Are Schools Closed Today?
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In Tamil Nadu: Some districts had ordered closures earlier, but no statewide confirmation has been issued for December 1. Students should check with their respective institutions.
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In Puducherry: All private and government-aided schools and colleges are closed today, the Union Territory’s home and education minister A. Namassivayam announced.
