Heavy rain lashed Tamil Nadu’s coastal and Cauvery delta districts on Saturday as Cyclone Ditwah moved across the open sea towards the state’s shoreline. According to officials, the system has intensified offshore, triggering strong winds and widespread showers across multiple regions.
In Ramanathapuram district, a tourist van became stranded in an area marooned by rising water near a canal. The occupants escaped without injury after managing to climb out through the rear door. Authorities described the incident as a narrow escape and urged residents to avoid travelling through flooded areas.
District administrations along the coast have issued warnings advising people not to venture out unless necessary. Officials said the combination of heavy rain and strong gales posed risks to both road movement and coastal activity, and urged fishermen and local residents to stay alert to changing conditions. Rainfall was reported across several regions, including parts of the Cauvery delta, as the cyclone’s outer bands continued to move inland. Disaster management teams have been placed on standby in vulnerable pockets and low-lying areas, where waterlogging is expected to increase if rainfall intensifies.
Meteorological officials said the cyclone remained over the sea as of Saturday and continued to inch closer to the Tamil Nadu coast. They added that rain bands extending from the system were likely to persist, bringing intermittent heavy showers and gusty winds to coastal districts through the weekend. Authorities have also advised people living near waterways, canals and low-lying regions to exercise caution, as rising water levels could lead to rapid flooding in certain areas. Local bodies have been instructed to monitor embankments, drainage channels and vulnerable structures to prevent further incidents.
With Cyclone Ditwah still active over the sea, officials said precautionary measures will remain in place until weather conditions stabilise. Passengers, commuters and residents have been urged to stay updated with official advisories as the situation develops.
