Tamil Nadu – Tamil Nadu is grappling with the severe aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which has claimed three lives and caused extensive agricultural damage across the state. The cyclonic system has brought heavy rainfall to delta districts, resulting in significant loss of livestock and crops, prompting state authorities to intensify relief and rescue operations.
Cyclone Ditwah’s Deadly Toll
State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister KKSSR Ramachandran confirmed that cyclone Ditwah has resulted in three fatalities over the past 24 hours in rain-related incidents across Tamil Nadu. The minister provided detailed information about the casualties during a briefing at the State Emergency Operations Centre on Sunday.
Two individuals lost their lives due to wall collapses in Tuticorin and Thanjavur districts respectively, highlighting the structural vulnerabilities exposed by the heavy rainfall accompanying cyclone Ditwah. Additionally, a 20-year-old youth died due to electrocution in Mayiladuthurai district, underscoring the multiple hazards posed by the cyclonic conditions.
Extensive Agricultural Damage from Cyclone Ditwah
The agricultural impact of cyclone Ditwah has been devastating for Tamil Nadu’s farming community. According to official reports, approximately 57,000 hectares of farmland have been damaged across various districts, with crops inundated by heavy rainfall. The minister emphasized that these figures represent preliminary assessments as floodwaters continue to affect agricultural areas.
The delta districts have borne the brunt of cyclone Ditwah’s agricultural destruction. Nagapattinam district has suffered the most severe damage, with crops affected across 24,000 hectares. Tiruvarur district follows with over 15,000 hectares of damaged farmland, while Mayiladuthurai district has seen approximately 8,000 hectares of crops impacted by the cyclonic conditions.
Livestock Casualties
Beyond human fatalities and crop damage, cyclone Ditwah has also resulted in significant livestock losses. Minister Ramachandran reported that nearly 150 cattle have died due to the impact of the cyclone in the delta districts. This livestock mortality represents a substantial economic blow to farming families who depend on cattle for dairy production and agricultural operations.
Compensation and Relief Measures
Tamil Nadu authorities have announced plans for comprehensive damage assessment and compensation following cyclone Ditwah. The minister stated that district officials will calculate the actual extent of damage after floodwaters recede completely. Based on these detailed assessments, the Chief Minister will announce appropriate compensation packages for affected farmers who have lost crops and livestock.
Meteorological Track of Cyclone Ditwah
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been closely monitoring cyclone Ditwah’s trajectory and intensity. According to IMD data, the cyclonic system was initially centered approximately 80 kilometers east of Jaffna in Sri Lanka, 140 kilometers southeast of Vedaranniyam in Tamil Nadu, and 280 kilometers south-southeast of Puducherry.
Notably, cyclone Ditwah had already caused catastrophic damage in Sri Lanka before impacting Tamil Nadu, claiming over 300 lives in the island nation. This devastating track underscored the serious threat the system posed to coastal Tamil Nadu.
Weakening of Cyclone Ditwah
By November 30 evening, cyclone Ditwah began showing signs of weakening. The IMD reported that the cyclonic storm weakened into a deep depression over southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts. The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai provided detailed positional updates throughout the system’s progression.
At approximately 5:30 pm on November 30, cyclone Ditwah as a deep depression was centered about 90 kilometers east of Cuddalore, 130 kilometers northeast of Karaikal, 90 kilometers east-southeast of Puducherry, 180 kilometers north-northeast of Vedaranniyam, and 140 kilometers south-southeast of Chennai. The minimum distance of the deep depression’s center from the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts was approximately 80 kilometers.
Movement Pattern and Further Weakening
The cyclone Ditwah system moved northwards with a speed of 5 kilometers per hour, maintaining a path parallel to the North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts. The IMD predicted that cyclone Ditwah would continue to weaken gradually, transforming into a depression by December 1 morning. This weakening trend provided some relief to coastal communities that had been on high alert.
Red Alert and Safety Warnings
The IMD had issued a red category warning for north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts in anticipation of cyclone Ditwah’s impact. This highest-level alert prompted authorities to implement precautionary measures including fishing restrictions and coastal evacuations. Boats were docked at Marina Beach in Chennai as part of safety protocols.
Temperature Forecast for Other Regions
Beyond the immediate impact zone of cyclone Ditwah, the IMD has warned of temperature changes across other parts of India. A 2-3 degree Celsius fall in minimum temperatures is expected over the next two days across northwest and east India.
Current minimum temperatures are already at less than 6 degrees Celsius at many places in Jammu-Kashmir and isolated locations in Punjab. The range of 6-10 degrees Celsius has been recorded at many places over Uttarakhand, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and West Uttar Pradesh, with isolated cold pockets in north Rajasthan and West Madhya Pradesh.
Conclusion
Cyclone Ditwah has left an indelible mark on Tamil Nadu, with three lives lost, extensive agricultural damage, and significant livestock casualties. As the system continues to weaken and move away from the coast, authorities are focusing on damage assessment and providing relief to affected communities. The preliminary estimates of 57,000 hectares of damaged farmland and 150 cattle deaths highlight the economic impact farmers will face in the coming months. With compensation measures being prepared and the cyclonic threat diminishing, Tamil Nadu begins the long process of recovery and rebuilding from cyclone Ditwah’s devastating passage.
