Continuous rain lashes Thoothukudi as cyclone ‘Ditwah’ nears; precautionary measures intensified

Rain lashes in Thoothukudi District on Friday.
| Photo Credit:
N. RAJESH

Continuous rainfall has been lashing Thoothukudi district since Friday morning, owing to cyclonic storm ‘Ditwah’, which is prevailing over coastal Sri Lanka and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal.

According to Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, the storm is likely to move north-northwestwards across Sri Lankan coast and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal and reach over southwest Bay of Bengal near north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh coasts by November 30 (Sunday) morning.

In Thoothukudi district, steady and moderate rainfall has continued throughout the day, affecting the normal life. The V.O.C. Port in Thoothukudi has continued the fourth warning signal for the second consecutive day until Friday, due to the cyclonic storm.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin held a review meeting on Friday, assessing emergency preparedness and relief actions with district collectors through video conference. Thoothukudi collector K. Elambahavath participated, and the chief minister inquired about flood conditions in Thoothukudi and issued several instructions.

Following the chief minister’s meeting, Mr. Elambahavath held an emergency meeting via video conference with officials to discuss flood precautionary measures.

Speaking at the meeting, the collector has instructed all departments to work closely and be fully prepared. Arrangements must be made to accommodate affected residents in relief centres.

He added that rescue and relief teams must be kept ready and essential provisions, including milk and other necessities must be stocked in relief camps. Mr. Elambahavath noted that additional focus should be given to flood prone areas.

Residents living near Marudhur and Srivaikuntam anicut, villages along the Thamirabarani river from Kaliyavur to Punnaikayal and those near Korampallam tank and other waterbodies have been instructed to stay safe.

The collector further directed the officials to closely monitor Marudhur and Srivaikuntam anicuts, Korampallam tank and Uppar odai and take necessary action to prevent damage and protect residents.