Cyclone ‘Ditwah’ Likely to Form After Storm Senyar; IMD Issues High Alert for Chennai and Coastal Tamil Nadu

Even as Cyclone Senyar moves away from the Indian coastline, another weather threat is building in the Bay of Bengal. A low-pressure area over the southwest Bay has now strengthened into a deep depression and is expected to intensify further into a cyclonic storm soon, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
If it develops into a cyclone, it will be named Cyclone Ditwah.

Possible Impact on Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and Coastal Regions

The developing weather system is likely to impact Chennai, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh, raising concerns of heavy rainfall and strong winds over the next few days.
The IMD has cautioned that the rapid intensification may result in widespread rain across parts of southern India.

IMD’s Latest Update

In its morning bulletin, the IMD stated:

“The Deep Depression over southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Sri Lanka coast moved north-northwestwards at 17 kmph and lay centered at 0830 hrs IST today near 6.7°N, 82.1°E.”

It was positioned:

• 120 km south-southeast of Batticaloa (Sri Lanka)
• 130 km east-northeast of Hambantota (Sri Lanka)
• 640 km south-southeast of Puducherry
• 730 km south-southeast of Chennai

The weather agency added that the system is very likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm within hours and continue moving towards North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh coasts over the next 48 hours.

What Does the Name ‘Ditwah’ Mean?

The name Ditwah (also spelled Detwah) is contributed by Yemen for the list of tropical cyclones in the north Indian Ocean.
It refers to Detwah Lagoon, a famous natural lagoon located on the island of Socotra, Yemen.

Tamil Nadu on High Alert

The IMD has placed Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, under heightened alert as the region is expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall till December 1.

• An Orange Alert has been issued for Chennai and several coastal districts for November 29–30.
• Kerala, Mahe, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema are also expected to receive intense rainfall until November 30.

The combination of a deep depression, potential cyclonic intensification, and moisture-laden winds is expected to keep weather conditions unstable along the southern coast.