Chennai, 2 December (H.S.) : The remnants of Cyclone Ditwah have continued to unleash heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu's northern coast, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a Red Alert for four key districts.
As the deep depression lingered near the coast, Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram were placed under the highest level of warning until at least 10 AM on December 2. Yellow Alerts were also declared for Ranipet, Tirupattur, Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Puducherry.
As of late Monday, the deep depression remained virtually stationary, positioned approximately 50 km east of Chennai, although it was expected to slowly recurve and weaken into a less intense depression within a 12-hour window.
The relentless downpour has paralyzed normal life in Chennai, resulting in widespread waterlogging, flight cancellations, and severe traffic congestion across major roads, including Anna Salai and Old Mahabalipuram Road. Incidents of uprooted trees were reported, with one large tree crashing onto a moving car on Greenways Road, though fortunately, no injuries were reported.
In response to the crisis, the Greater Chennai Corporation has deployed boats, high-powered pumps, and emergency crews to mitigate the impact. NDRF and SDRF teams remain on standby across the region. Furthermore, Chief Minister MK Stalin has ordered immediate compensation through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for losses related to paddy crops, livestock, houses, and human life reported since the commencement of the northeast monsoon in October.
Due to the adverse weather conditions, schools and colleges were declared closed in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur, and Madras University postponed all examinations scheduled for December 2.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary
