Stormed Streets: Cyclone Ditwah’s Relentless Rains Bring Chennai to a Standstill

Updated: December 04, 2025 02:01

Image Source: Deccan Herald

Chennai and surrounding districts have been battered by heavy rains triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, disrupting daily life for three consecutive days. With schools closed, flights cancelled, and widespread flooding reported, authorities have deployed rescue teams and boats to assist residents. The deep depression continues to stall near the coast, prolonging rainfall.

Chennai is reeling under the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which has stalled unusually close to the Tamil Nadu coast, unleashing torrential rains and strong winds across the city and neighboring districts. The weather system, now weakened into a deep depression, has lingered offshore, prolonging rainfall and compounding the disruption to everyday life.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) reported that the system lay just 50 km east of Chennai, moving slowly northward. This proximity has resulted in three straight days of heavy downpours, flooding arterial roads, halting traffic, and forcing schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu to remain closed.

Authorities have taken extensive measures to mitigate the crisis. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), along with NDRF and SDRF teams, deployed over 100 rescue boats and 22,000 personnel to clear uprooted trees, rescue stranded residents, and combat waterlogging in low-lying areas such as Velachery, Perambur, and T Nagar.

Major Takeaways

Flight Disruptions: At least 18 domestic flights were cancelled at Chennai airport due to poor weather.

School Closures: Educational institutions across four districts remained shut for consecutive days.

Rescue Operations: 103–107 boats and thousands of personnel deployed for relief efforts.

Casualties & Damage: Four rain-related deaths reported statewide; over 1,600 huts damaged and 2.11 lakh acres of crops affected.

Weather Outlook: Heavy rainfall expected to continue in northern Tamil Nadu districts before subsiding gradually.

Notable Updates

Reservoir Management: Authorities released water from key reservoirs to prevent overflow.

Public Advisory: Residents urged to stay indoors and avoid waterlogged zones.

Extended Impact: Neighboring districts including Ranipet, Villupuram, and Cuddalore also reported severe rainfall.

Conclusion: Cyclone Ditwah’s lingering presence has turned Chennai’s streets into rivers, disrupting normal life and testing the city’s resilience. With rescue teams on high alert and rainfall expected to ease gradually, the focus remains on restoring normalcy and safeguarding vulnerable communities.

Sources: The Hindu , Deccan Herald , The Logical Indian , Indian Express

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