Lagatar24 Desk
Chennai: Cyclone Ditwah, currently hovering around 50 km off the Tamil Nadu coast, is expected to trigger extremely heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as it weakens and moves northward without making landfall. IMD has issued a red alert for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh, forecasting very heavy rain over South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema as well. Winds are likely to decrease from 90 kmph to around 60 kmph by evening, with Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Chengalpattu, Puducherry and Karaikal expected to face the strongest impact. Chennai and several interior districts remain on alert.
Cyclone Readiness: Before the Storm
Residents are advised to secure their homes by repairing loose tiles, windows and weak structures, trimming unstable trees and storing away loose objects that can fly in strong winds. Authorities recommend preparing wooden boards for glass protection, stocking emergency food, medicines, and batteries, and arranging reliable lighting sources such as kerosene lamps and charged torches.
Safety Protocols During the Cyclone
In case of severe weather, residents should switch off the main power supply and gas valves, keep windows and doors tightly closed, remain indoors and follow IMD or government updates only. Families in weak or flood-prone homes must move temporarily to safer locations. Torches, water, medicines and emergency kits should be kept within reach, and only boiled or purified water should be consumed.
If Caught Outdoors or Evacuated
People outdoors are urged to move immediately to strong buildings or government-designated cyclone shelters. They should avoid unstable structures, fallen wires and debris, which may be dangerous or electrified. During evacuation orders, residents must leave low-lying coastal areas early and carry essentials such as medicines, baby food, identity documents, water and torches, and remain in shelters until authorities declare safety.
Post-Cyclone Precautions and Recovery
Residents should not return to their homes until officials confirm the area is safe. Even after the cyclone passes, broken poles, hanging wires, waterlogged patches and damaged roads may still pose danger. Driving should be done cautiously. Cleanup of debris, stagnant water and fallen branches should be done with protective measures, and any injuries or damages should be reported promptly to aid relief efforts.
