Cyclone Ditwah unleashes fury: Trains halted, boats adrift as Tamil Nadu coast braces for impact
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stratified alert system for the state, reflecting the varying degrees of threat. A Red Alert, signalling a high likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall, has been issued for Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, and Nagapattinam districts.
Rameswaram/ Nagapattinam: Cyclone Ditwah intensified its grip on the Tamil Nadu coast, with strong gale-force winds disrupting transport, stranding fishing boats, and prompting a multi-tier alert across several districts. The cyclone's early impact was starkly visible in Rameswaram, where wind speeds reaching 60 kmph led to the suspension of all train services over the iconic Pamban Bridge.
Cyclone Ditwah Tracker: Transport Grinds to a Halt as Winds Lash Rameswaram
In a significant precautionary measure, the Southern Railway halted all trains scheduled to pass through the Pamban route. Multiple trains have been stopped at the Mandapam railway station on the mainland, effectively severing the rail link to Rameswaram Island until the weather conditions improve. The decision was taken as a safety imperative due to the vulnerability of the bridge to high-intensity winds.
The maritime domain was equally chaotic. The severe weather conditions caused a motorboat anchored at the Rameswaram fishing port to break free from its moorings. The vessel was subsequently stranded in the Cheran Fort area. Local fishermen are now engaged in a risky operation to rescue the boat from the rough seas. This incident has prompted fishermen to demand a permanent solution from the authorities to prevent recurring damage to their vessels during such cyclonic storms.
Multi-Layered Weather Alert Across Tamil Nadu
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stratified alert system for the state, reflecting the varying degrees of threat.
A Red Alert, signalling a high likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall, has been issued for Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, and Nagapattinam districts.
An Orange Alert is in place for Mayiladuthurai, Ariyalur, Trichy, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram districts, indicating preparednes for significant rainfall.
A Yellow Alert has been issued for Cuddalore, Perambalur, Madurai, Virudhunagar, and Thoothukudi districts, advising residents to be aware of the adverse weather conditions.
Fishermen Missing as Nagapattinam Sea Turns Violent
In a developing and concerning situation in Nagapattinam, the District Fisheries Department reported that two powerboats belonging to a fisherman named Ezhilarasan from Akkaraipettai fishing village have not returned to shore. More than 20 fishermen who were on these boats remain out at sea despite the cyclone warning. While most deep-sea fishing vessels have returned safely, search and rescue operations for the missing boats are anticipated to commence as soon as the ferocious sea conditions, triggered by Cyclone Titva, permit. The sea in Nagapattinam is reported to be extremely rough, complicating any immediate rescue efforts.