Cyclone Ditwah Causes Havoc in Tamil Nadu – What’s Happening Now?

Published on December 1, 2025

In the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, several regions across Tamil Nadu, including major cities like Chennai, Thiruvallur, and Kancheepuram, are experiencing ongoing moderate rainfall due to the cyclone’s lingering effects. Despite having weakened into a deep depression, the system continues to cause disruptions, and the region is bracing for further rainfall, especially along the coastal areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of continued rain as the storm system remains near the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts.

The cyclone, initially classified as a severe storm, has since lost much of its strength, but it still holds the potential to disrupt daily life across affected areas. The IMD forecasts that the remnants will continue to bring showers and winds, with the system expected to weaken even further in the coming hours. Although the system is no longer classified as a cyclone, its residual effects could last for another 24 hours.

Weather Developments and IMD’s Latest Updates on Cyclone Ditwah’s Aftermath

According to the India Meteorological Department, Cyclone Ditwah has now degraded into a deep depression, and it remains positioned over the southwest Bay of Bengal, near the northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts. Over the past six hours, the system has shifted northward at a speed of 10 km/h, placing it approximately 90 km south-southeast of Chennai. While the storm has been downgraded, the IMD emphasizes that localized rainfall will continue for the next day, with the system expected to dissipate gradually.

The deep depression’s current trajectory has reduced the risk of major storm surges, but the region is still grappling with the residual impact of heavy rainfall, especially in coastal districts and the urban areas of Chennai. It is important for residents in these areas to stay updated on weather conditions as local authorities work to mitigate the ongoing effects of the storm.

Flooding Concerns and Relief Measures in Tamil Nadu

The consistent rain has already caused significant flooding in certain parts of Tamil Nadu, with areas like Chennai and Thiruvallur receiving moderate to heavy rainfall. These conditions are exacerbated by the already saturated grounds from previous monsoon rains. The weather system has prompted local authorities to monitor the situation closely, issuing alerts for possible flooding and urging residents to stay indoors, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

Authorities in Tamil Nadu are on high alert, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Management Authority positioned in affected areas to provide immediate relief and support. In addition to the flooding risk, the heavy rainfall has also led to disrupted traffic flows and power outages, causing further complications for residents already facing the aftermath of the cyclone.

The Storm’s Impact on Transportation and Infrastructure

The ongoing rains have caused disruptions in local transportation systems, particularly in Chennai, where heavy rains have caused delays in train services and road traffic. Public transport networks in these cities are operating under constrained conditions, with some routes temporarily shut down due to waterlogging and safety concerns. Authorities are actively monitoring and clearing blocked routes to ensure safe passage.

In addition to transportation, power outages in several regions have been reported. The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) has been working to restore power in affected areas, but the inclement weather continues to pose challenges in the restoration efforts.

Global Weather Trends and Cyclone Preparedness: Tamil Nadu’s Vulnerability

Cyclone Ditwah’s impact serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in the Indian Ocean region, with Tamil Nadu and Puducherry frequently facing the brunt of cyclonic storms and depressions during the post-monsoon season. Experts have raised concerns about the vulnerability of coastal regions due to climate change, which has led to a higher incidence of intense storms and rainfall patterns across Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

In response, the Indian government and local authorities have been strengthening disaster preparedness protocols. From improved weather forecasting systems to enhanced flood management infrastructure, the efforts to safeguard residents against cyclonic events have ramped up significantly in recent years. However, as the impact of Cyclone Ditwah demonstrates, more comprehensive measures will be needed to address the long-term risks posed by such severe weather phenomena.

Resilient Communities and Recovery Efforts in Tamil Nadu

As the rain continues to fall, residents of Tamil Nadu have shown resilience in the face of ongoing disruptions. Local communities and emergency response teams have come together to support each other during the challenging period. Many volunteers are assisting in flood relief efforts, providing food, water, and other essentials to those displaced by the rains.

Recovery efforts are expected to intensify once the system completely dissipates. Local government agencies have already outlined plans for damage assessment and infrastructure repairs, focusing on restoring essential services and addressing the needs of those most affected.

Looking Ahead: Weather Conditions to Stabilize After December 1

The weather conditions in Tamil Nadu are expected to stabilize after December 1, 2025, with the weakening of Cyclone Ditwah’s remnants. While the system will continue to cause some localized showers and breezy conditions in the immediate aftermath, the threat of major disruptions will gradually subside as the storm system moves away from the region. Meteorologists advise residents to remain vigilant for the next 24 hours, as the IMD continues to monitor any residual effects.

Conclusion: Tamil Nadu’s Battle with the Cyclone’s Legacy

As Tamil Nadu faces the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, the focus now shifts to recovery and rebuilding. The effects of the storm have brought challenges, but the resilience of both the local authorities and the communities will play a key role in navigating through the immediate difficulties. The state’s preparedness in managing severe weather conditions will be crucial in minimizing future impacts as global weather patterns continue to evolve.