A significant shift has occurred as Cyclone Ditwah, previously a concern for the Southwest Bay of Bengal, has weakened into a deep depression. This change in intensity has eased the heavy rainfall warnings for Tamil Nadu’s northern districts. However, the severe impact on Sri Lanka continues to unfold, with the country reporting a staggering 334 fatalities and 370 individuals missing following the cyclone’s onslaught.
Sri Lanka’s President has acknowledged the extreme weather event as the nation’s most catastrophic natural disaster, committing all state resources to recovery. The ongoing State of Public Emergency is confined to disaster management activities, ensuring civil liberties remain intact. Restoration of essential services, including power and water, is a top priority.
International aid is playing a crucial role, with Indian rescue teams actively supporting Sri Lankan efforts. They are engaged in critical tasks such as evacuations, delivering vital supplies, and providing immediate relief to those affected. The cyclone’s trajectory along the Tamil Nadu coast, without making landfall, has reduced the potential for extensive damage. Significant rainfall was recorded in Karaikal (19 cm) and Sembanarkovil (17 cm).
The weather outlook for Monday indicates light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with a possibility of heavier showers in specific areas like Tiruvallur. Chennai might see scattered moderate rainfall. In anticipation of adverse weather, Puducherry has closed all schools for the day. The Tamil Nadu government has not ordered a holiday for Chennai schools. Schools in two districts of Andhra Pradesh, Nellore and Annamayya, are also shut.
