Chennai, 1 December (H.S.) : The remnants of cyclonic storm Ditwah, now weakened to a deep depression, continue to hover near the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts, bringing persistent moderate downpours to several districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, and Ranipet. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that the system will remain stationary and further weaken over the next 24 hours, continuing to cause spells of rain.
The continuous rain has severely disrupted normal life, leading to the cancellation of ten flights from Chennai to Port Blair and causing extensive waterlogging. In response, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin convened a meeting with district collectors to assess the situation, particularly inquiring about damage to standing crops in the Cauvery delta region.
In preparation for potential emergencies, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has mobilized resources, keeping 103 boats on standby for rescue operations in low-lying areas. The corporation also deployed 60 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 30 from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), alongside motor pumps for draining water. Furthermore, the GCC has distributed food to tens of thousands of people affected by the cyclone and has stocked essential supplies like milk powder, rice, and oil for distribution to vulnerable populations.
As of the latest IMD update, the deep depression was located approximately 50 km east of Chennai. It is expected to move slowly north, parallel to the North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh coasts, weakening into a depression during the subsequent 12 hours. The city of Chennai recorded an average of 68.26 mm of rainfall in a six-hour period, with Ennore receiving the maximum recorded rainfall of 129.90 mm.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary
