Chennai, 3 December (H.S.) : The remnant of Cyclonic Storm Ditwah has weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area, moving slowly southwestwards across the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts. The system brought widespread and continuous heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and extensive waterlogging across coastal and interior areas of Tamil Nadu.

Initially, a red alert was issued, which was later downgraded. However, on December 3, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) maintained an orange alert for seven districts, including Chennai, Thiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Nilgiris, and Coimbatore, while a yellow alert was issued for several other districts.

Chennai and surrounding areas like North and Central Chennai, including localities like Perambur and Vyasarpadi, bore the brunt of the downpour, with persistent flooding being reported. For instance, North Chennai recorded significant rainfall figures, including Ennore (26 cm), Parrys (25 cm), and Perambur (20 cm).

The torrential rains led to the closure of schools and colleges in several districts, including Thiruvallur, Chennai, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu, on December 3. Furthermore, the persistent rainfall caused water levels in major reservoirs to rise, leading authorities to increase the water release from lakes like Sembarambakkam and Puzhal, prompting flood warnings for low-lying areas in the Chennai suburbs.

The Chennai Police activated its Disaster Response mechanism, deploying approximately 18,000 personnel for rescue and relief operations amid the cyclonic conditions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary