🌪️ Cyclonic Storm Ditwah Forms Over Bay of Bengal, Heads for Tamil Nadu–Puducherry Coast

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday confirmed that a well-marked low over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm — named Ditwah — and is currently forecast to make landfall along the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry within the next 48–72 hours. Local authorities in coastal districts have been put on high alert as heavy rain and strong winds are expected.

📍 What We Know So Far

• The system began as a low-pressure area over the southeastern Bay of Bengal and gradually gained strength. IMD’s latest bulletin indicates that wind speeds around the core of the storm are near cyclonic intensity.
• The storm is projected to move northwestwards, bringing Tamil Nadu’s coastal districts — especially those along the Coromandel Coast — and the Union Territory of Puducherry into its path. Coastal erosion, heavy rainfall, and rough seas are expected.
• Local disaster management authorities have started issuing advisories. Fishermen have been asked to stay off the sea, and residents in low-lying coastal localities have been alerted to prepare for possible evacuation or precautionary measures.

⚠️ What Residents Need to Watch Out For

• Heavy to very heavy rainfall, especially in coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and possibly coastal Andhra Pradesh if the system veers northwards.
• Strong winds capable of causing structural damage, uprooting trees, and disrupting electricity supply.
• High tide + storm surge could lead to coastal flooding and inundation of low-lying areas.
• Rough sea conditions, meaning all fishing and marine activities are strongly prohibited until further notice.

🏛️ Government Response & Preparedness Steps

• District disaster response teams in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have been mobilized, and local authorities are on standby.
• Shelters have been readied in vulnerable coastal zones; evacuation protocols have been ordered for residents living in low-lying or flood-prone hamlets.
• State meteorological agencies have begun issuing regular alerts and are coordinating with local administrations to monitor the storm’s movement.
• Fishermen and coastal communities have been advised to avoid the sea and secure boats, nets, and other equipment. Warnings are also going out to avoid unnecessary travel until the storm passes.

🌧️ Historically What It Means

While the Bay of Bengal frequently spawns cyclonic formations this time of year, storms that strike Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coasts often bring heavy rainfall and wind damage, but major devastation depends heavily on the exact landfall location, wind strength at shore, and tide conditions. The next 24–48 hours will be crucial in tracking whether Ditwah maintains intensity or weakens before landfall.