The aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah continues to lash Tamil Nadu, with coastal districts, including the capital Chennai, bracing for another day of heavy rainfall and waterlogging on Thursday, December 4. Despite weakening into a depression, the weather system has left a trail of disruption, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue critical alerts for several regions.
IMD Issues Orange and Yellow Alerts
In its morning update on December 4, the IMD placed four districts under an Orange Alert, signaling a need for preparedness. These districts are Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu. The forecast predicts light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in these areas.
Additionally, a Yellow Alert has been issued for a wider swath of the state, including Coimbatore, Erode, Kanyakumari, Ramanathapuram, Tenkasi, Nilgiris, Thoothukkudi, and Tirunelveli. The IMD has specifically warned of heavy rainfall in Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, and Ramanathapuram districts, with the unsettled weather expected to persist until Friday, December 5.
Widespread Waterlogging and Disruptions
The persistent downpour over the past few days has severely impacted normal life. Chennai and its neighbouring districts have reported significant waterlogging, submerging roads and flooding residential neighbourhoods. Areas like Vyasarpadi, Kodungaiyur, MKB Nagar, and Mullai Nagar faced intense waterlogging earlier in the week, leading to rescue operations for stranded residents.
Traffic movement has been adversely affected across the city and in other impacted regions. While there are indications that educational institutions in districts under the Orange Alert, such as Chennai and Chengalpattu, may remain closed on Thursday, official confirmation from the district administrations is still awaited.
Weather Outlook and Precautions
The sky over Chennai is expected to remain overcast throughout Thursday, with temperatures hovering between 24°C and 25°C. The IMD has forecast similar conditions of light to moderate rain with thunderstorms for North Coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.
Authorities are urging residents in the affected districts to exercise extreme caution, avoid venturing into waterlogged areas, and stay updated with official advisories. The situation remains dynamic, with the remnants of Cyclone Ditwah continuing to influence the regional weather pattern.
