Cyclone Ditwah: Puducherry on Red Alert as Heavy Rains Loom

Puducherry is on high alert due to Cyclone Ditwah, with the IMD issuing a 'red alert' for heavy rains. Lt Governor K Kailashnathan convened an emergency meeting to ensure precautionary measures are in place. Schools and colleges are closed, and disaster relief operations are underway.

Puducherry's Lt Governor, K Kailashnathan, chaired an emergency meeting on Friday to prepare for the impending heavy rains, prompted by Cyclone Ditwah. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'red alert' for the region, predicting intense rainfall on November 29 and 30.

The cyclone, currently positioned 300 km south-southeast of Karaikal, prompted the government to expedite preventative actions. Kailashnathan urged departments, including Revenue and Disaster Management, to execute their contingency plans. Reinforcements from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have arrived to assist in relief efforts.

In anticipation, the administration has issued a warning for fishermen to avoid the sea, secured fishing vessels, and established relief centers. All schools and colleges in the Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam regions will be closed on Saturday. The cyclone's name, 'Ditwah,' comes from Yemen, referencing the scenic Detwah Lagoon.

(With inputs from agencies.)