• Source:JND

At least three people have lost their lives in the state of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, November 30, due to rain-related activities, triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, which has already ravaged the island nation of Sri Lanka. 

"Three people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents since last evening. While two persons died due to wall collapse in Tuticorin and Thanjavur, respectively, a 20-year-old youth died due to electrocution in Mayiladuthurai," said Tamil Nadu Minister of Revenue and Disaster Management, KKSSR Ramachandran. 

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Widespread Destruction Of Farmlands

Besides casualties, there has been widespread destruction of farmlands as well. Approximately 56,000 hectares of farmland have been flooded in the state, Ramachandran said. He added that the total farmland is divided between Nagapattinam (24,000 hectares), Tiruvarur (15,000 hectares) and Mayiladuthurai (8,000) were flooded. 

Additionally, the revenue minister also discussed the state’s preparedness in view of Cyclone Ditwah, stating that 38 relief camps have been established across vulnerable districts. These are spread across the state:

  • Pudukkottai: 9 camps, 

  • Mayiladuthurai: 2 camps

  • Ramanathapuram: 2 camps

  • Tiruvarur: 4 camps

  • Thanjavur: 2 camps 

  • Nagapattinam: 10 camps

  • Ranipet: 1 camp

  • Chengalpattu: 1 camp 

  • Viluppuram: 7 camps 

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The camps can collectively accommodate 2,391 people. The minister further said that 28 disaster response teams 28 disaster response teams, including personnel from the SDRF and NDRF, have been deployed in Tamil Nadu. 

An additional 10 teams from other states are already arriving. These teams are being dispatched to the most severely affected areas to carry out relief and rehabilitation operations. “Any assistance requested will be provided immediately once it is brought to the attention of the Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin,” he added.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Karaikal in Puducherry recorded the highest rainfall over the past 24 hours, with 19 cm, while Sembanarkoil in Mayiladuthurai district received 17 cm of rainfall as of 8:30 am on Sunday. The IMD is likely to move northwards, running parallel to the state within the next 24 hours. As the Cyclone progresses, Ditwah is expected to narrow further to just 30 km later in the night, raising concerns of intensified rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding in coastal districts.


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