Cyclone Ditwah, which intensified over the Southwest Bay of Bengal, has now considerably weakened into a deep depression. This easing of the system’s strength has provided much-needed relief for Tamil Nadu’s northern regions, previously warned of very heavy downpours. In stark contrast, Sri Lanka is confronting a deepening crisis, with the cyclone’s toll reaching 334 dead and 370 missing.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Sri Lanka has labeled the current extreme weather event as the worst natural disaster the country has ever faced and has pledged unwavering state support for the recovery process. He clarified that the declared State of Public Emergency is solely for disaster response and will not restrict fundamental rights. Immediate steps are being taken to reinstate essential services like water, electricity, and communication networks that have been severely disrupted.
Indian rescue forces are working closely with Sri Lankan military and civilian agencies to aid flood-affected populations. Their coordinated efforts involve rescuing stranded individuals, delivering aid, and providing medical assistance. The cyclone’s path parallel to the Tamil Nadu coast, coupled with its weakening, has lessened the risk of widespread severe weather. Notable rainfall figures include 19 cm in Karaikal and 17 cm in Sembanarkovil.
For Monday, the forecast suggests light to moderate rain with thunderstorms in many parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Chennai could experience moderate rain at scattered locations. Due to the weather situation, Puducherry has announced a school holiday for all its educational institutions on Monday. The Tamil Nadu government has not declared a holiday for Chennai schools. Schools in Nellore and Annamayya districts of Andhra Pradesh will also remain closed today.