Cyclone Ditwah has made its presence felt across Tamil Nadu’s coastal districts, unleashing a relentless torrent of rain and disrupting daily life for millions. The deep depression, intensifying as it moved towards the coast, has triggered widespread deluges, particularly in the northern parts of the state. As a direct consequence of the deteriorating weather conditions, vital infrastructure has been impacted, most notably leading to the suspension of numerous flights from Chennai International Airport, leaving thousands of travellers stranded and transportation networks in disarray.
Cyclone Ditwah Makes Landfall: A Deep Depression’s Fury
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had accurately forecast the trajectory of Cyclone Ditwah, which intensified into a deep depression before making landfall near the coast of Tamil Nadu. The system brought with it sustained winds and exceptionally heavy rainfall, inundating low-lying areas and challenging the state’s drainage infrastructure. Districts such as Chennai, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Nagapattinam bore the brunt of Ditwah’s fury, experiencing continuous downpours that commenced in the early hours and showed little sign of abating.
Roads quickly transformed into waterlogged arteries, making vehicular movement perilous and slow. In Chennai, the capital city, several arterial roads and subways were closed to traffic due to severe waterlogging, forcing commuters to seek alternative, often circuitous, routes. Authorities have issued stern advisories urging residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary, and to exercise extreme caution when venturing out. The consistent rainfall has also led to a significant increase in water levels in several reservoirs and lakes across the region, prompting monitoring for potential overflow.
Airport Operations Halted, Travel Chaos Ensues
One of the most immediate and impactful consequences of Cyclone Ditwah has been the severe disruption to air travel. Chennai International Airport (MAA), a major gateway in South India, announced the temporary suspension of all flight operations for several hours, citing low visibility, strong crosswinds, and the safety of passengers and flight crew. Both domestic and international services were affected, leading to the cancellation or diversion of dozens of flights. Airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Vistara, promptly issued advisories, offering waivers for rescheduling and refunds to affected passengers.
The flight suspensions cascaded into widespread chaos at the airport, with hundreds of passengers left stranded, seeking information and alternative travel arrangements. While efforts were made by airport staff to manage the situation and provide necessary assistance, the sheer volume of disrupted travel itineraries posed a significant challenge. The decision to halt operations underscores the severity of the weather conditions and the paramount importance placed on safety protocols during such extreme events. Furthermore, suburban train services in Chennai experienced significant delays and some cancellations due to waterlogging on tracks, compounding the travel woes for daily commuters.
Preparedness and Response: Authorities on High Alert
In anticipation of Cyclone Ditwah, the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority (TNSDMA) and district administrations had been on high alert, implementing a robust preparedness strategy. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams were pre-positioned in vulnerable coastal districts, equipped with rescue boats and other essential gear. Evacuation efforts were undertaken in low-lying coastal villages, moving residents to designated relief camps where food, water, and medical aid were made available.
Electricity supply was proactively suspended in certain areas to prevent electrocution risks from damaged power lines. Chennai Corporation personnel, along with other civic bodies, worked tirelessly to clear fallen trees, pump out water from inundated roads, and ensure essential services remained functional. “Our primary focus is the safety and well-being of our citizens,” stated a senior official from the Chennai Corporation. “We have deployed all available resources and are continuously monitoring the situation, ready to respond to any emergency. We urge the public to cooperate with authorities and follow advisories.” The state government also established control rooms operating 24/7 to address public queries and coordinate relief efforts.
As Cyclone Ditwah gradually weakens and moves inland, the immediate threat of heavy rainfall may subside, but the aftermath will require sustained recovery efforts. The resilience of Tamil Nadu’s coastal communities will once again be tested as they grapple with the impact of property damage, agricultural losses, and the disruption to daily life. Authorities continue to advise vigilance as water levels remain high in many areas, and the risk of localized flooding persists. The state machinery remains mobilised, ensuring a coordinated response to bring normalcy back to the affected regions.
