Cyclone Ditwah moves toward Andhra coast, heavy rains expected for three days

A low-pressure system that formed near the Sri Lankan coast over the southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into Cyclone Ditwah, increasing the likelihood of heavy rains and strong winds across South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema, according to the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA).

Along with the cyclone impact in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana is also expected to see strong cold weather from November 28 night to November 30, with temperatures likely to fall to 9-11°C in North and Central Telangana and 11-14°C in Hyderabad. Meteorologists have also warned that Cyclone Ditwah will bring rains to several districts of South and East Telangana between December 2 and 5. Light to moderate rains are expected in Khammam, Mahabubabad, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Suryapet, Nalgonda, Nagarkurnool, Wanaparthy and Mahabubnagar, while light rains may occur in Warangal, Hanmakonda, Jangaon, Yadadri-Bhongir, Rangareddy, Vikarabad, Gadwal, Hyderabad, Medchal, Siddipet and Sangareddy. Other districts are likely to remain dry.

APSDMA said the system is moving northwest and is expected to strengthen further over the next 12 hours. The cyclone is likely to approach the south coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh between Friday evening and early Saturday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that rainfall intensity and wind speeds may increase significantly from Saturday and continue for the next three days.

Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected in Chittoor, Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, YSR Kadapa, Annamayya and Sri Sathyasai districts from November 29. Fishermen have been strictly warned not to venture into the sea due to rough and dangerous conditions. Farmers in the affected regions have also been advised to take precautionary measures to protect their crops from strong winds and intense rainfall.

District administrations have been asked to remain fully alert and monitor the situation closely. Control rooms are being set up at district and mandal levels to coordinate emergency responses, and alerts are being sent to people in vulnerable localities. According to the IMD, the cyclone’s centre is currently located northwest of Sri Lanka’s Batticaloa and Hambantota regions, 640 km northwest of Puducherry and 730 km northwest of Chennai. The system is expected to intensify further as it approaches the Andhra coast.

With Cyclone Ditwah expected to have a considerable impact, Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha has issued urgent instructions to collectors and SPs of Tirupati, Chittoor, Kadapa, Nellore and Prakasam districts. She directed them to stay on constant alert, remain accessible to the public, and shift people living in weak or damaged houses to safer locations. SDRF and NDRF teams have been put on standby for rescue and relief operations.

The minister also ordered the immediate removal of unsafe hoardings and structures along the coastal belt to prevent accidents during strong winds. She urged the public to stay cautious until Monday and advised farmers to plan their agricultural activities carefully in anticipation of worsening weather conditions.