Cyclone Ditwah weakens into deep depression: 3 dead in Tamil Nadu, schools closed in Puducherry

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The storm Cyclone Ditwah has now weakened into a deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal, moving northwards at around 10 km/h. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), it is expected to weaken further into a depression by Monday noon.

As of the latest 2 am bulletin, the depression’s centre was nearly 50 km off the north-Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast. IMD had earlier issued a red-category warning for the north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts.

Three dead in Tamil Nadu

Despite weakening, Ditwah has already caused serious disruption. In Tamil Nadu, three people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents triggered by the system, as confirmed by the state’s disaster-management minister.

Heavy to very-heavy rain is expected in several districts, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Vellore, and Ranipet, while many other regions across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal may experience light to moderate showers. The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai has also warned of potential thunderstorms and lightning in isolated areas.

Along the coast, gale-force winds of 60–70 km/h, with gusts up to 80 km/h, are likely over north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry–Karaikal regions. Further south, squally winds in the range of 55–65 km/h (gusting up to 75 km/h) are possible.

Meanwhile, neighbouring states have not been spared. Parts of Andhra Pradesh are also bracing for light to moderate rainfall, with heavy rain in isolated pockets. South-coastal Andhra Pradesh and the Rayalaseema region are among those flagged by authorities for potentially heavy downpours.

375 pregnant women shifted to hospitals in Andhra

In Andhra Pradesh, authorities have identified nearly 7,900 pregnant women nearing their delivery dates in districts likely to receive heavy rain. Of these, 375 have already been shifted to hospitals as a precaution, while efforts continue to relocate the rest to safer facilities.

Several districts in Tamil Nadu had earlier ordered closure of schools and colleges as a safety measure. As of Monday, there’s no confirmed statewide directive.

In Puducherry, all private and government-aided schools have been closed today as a precautionary step. The union territory’s Home and Education Minister issued the order amid continuing heavy rainfall.

As Ditwah weakens, meteorological offices expect rainfall and gusty winds to continue into the next 24–48 hours. The risk remains especially high in coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, and parts of Andhra Pradesh.