Massive Damage to Salt Industry
The powerful Cyclone Ditwah has dealt a severe blow to Tamil Nadu's salt production sector, causing extensive damage to approximately 20,000 acres of salt pans across multiple regions in Tuticorin district. The affected areas span from Pattinamaruthur, Vaippar, and Vembar in the northern part of the district near Ramanathapuram to Arumuganeri in the southern region.
Economic Impact and Worker Crisis
According to M S P Thenraj, secretary of Tuticorin Thanpadu Salt Traders Association, the unprecedented rainfall has severely impacted salt sales, causing Tamil Nadu to drop to the third position in salt production rankings. The Salt Pan Workers Welfare Board has urgently appealed to the government to release immediate financial assistance from the National Disaster Relief Fund to support affected workers.
"There are almost 75,000 labourers, ranging from daily wage workers to those involved in processing and packaging operations, who will suffer significant financial losses due to the cyclone's destructive effects," Thenraj emphasized.
Infrastructure Damage and Weather Conditions
Initial reports indicate that six huts in the district sustained partial damage from the cyclone's fury. While rainfall intensity and wind speeds have decreased in Ramanathapuram, recording an average of 64.87 mm across the district, temperatures have plunged to approximately 16 degrees Celsius.
District authorities confirmed that water stagnation continues to pose serious challenges, particularly in low-lying areas. Relief teams are actively working to drain accumulated water and restore normalcy to the affected regions.
