As Cyclone Ditwah continued to bring relentless rain to Tamil Nadu, three people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents across the State since Saturday evening. The downpour, which intensified as the cyclone moved along the coast, caused widespread flooding, crop damage, and large-scale disruptions.
Three Deaths Reported Across Districts
State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran confirmed on Sunday morning that two people died after walls collapsed in Thanjavur and Thoothukudi districts, while another person died of electrocution in Mayiladuthurai. Officials said that the incidents were directly linked to the heavy rain and unstable structures affected by the storm.
Over 2,300 People Shifted to Relief Camps
With waterlogging and flooding increasing overnight, more than 2,300 people have been moved to 38 relief camps across nine districts. These include 10 camps in Nagapattinam, nine in Pudukkottai, seven in Villupuram, four in Tiruvarur, and smaller numbers in Mayiladuthurai, Ramanathapuram, Thanjavur, Chengalpattu, and Ranipet.
The Minister said that additional NDRF teams have joined the rescue operations. With 10 new units arriving, a total of 38 teams are now positioned across Tamil Nadu and ready to be deployed wherever needed.
Large-Scale Crop Losses Under Water
Cyclone Ditwah has caused major agricultural damage in coastal regions. According to the Minister, nearly 56,000 hectares of crops are under water.
- About 24,000 hectares are affected in Nagapattinam,
- Over 15,000 hectares in Tiruvarur, and
- Nearly 8,000 hectares in Mayiladuthurai.
He added that the actual loss will be assessed once the water recedes. The Chief Minister will then decide on compensation for farmers whose fields have been submerged or washed away.
Aside from farmland losses, around 230 huts have also been damaged across various districts.
Tamil Nadu Residents Stranded in Sri Lanka
Many residents of Tamil Nadu who were stuck in Sri Lanka due to severe weather were scheduled to return on Sunday morning. However, the flight bringing them back was delayed because weather conditions in Tamil Nadu had not yet improved, despite air traffic resuming in Sri Lanka. The government is coordinating with agencies to ensure their safe return as soon as possible.
IMD’s Prediction
The India Meteorological Department said that Cyclone Ditwah is likely to move northwards, staying close and nearly parallel to the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coastline over the next 24 hours. By afternoon and evening on Sunday, the cyclone’s center is expected to come as close as 60 km and then 30 km from the coastline.
Situation ‘Under Control,’ Says Government
Despite the heavy rains and damage reported, Minister Ramachandran said the situation remains “under control” and has not “gone beyond our hands.” District administrations and emergency teams continue to work round-the-clock as the cyclone tracks northward.
