Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India: Meteorologists have forecasted intense rainfall across the state over the next two days as Cyclone ‘Dithwa’ strengthens. The system, currently situated in the southwest Bay of Bengal near the southeast coast of Sri Lanka, is likely to develop into a cyclonic storm and make landfall close to the region.

Authorities have warned that Cyclone Dithwa, positioned over the southwest Bay of Bengal near Sri Lanka’s southeast coast, could intensify and hit the coast near the city. The state government has issued a red alert for Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Chengalpattu districts. These areas are expected to experience heavy rainfall on Saturday.

As of Friday night, the cyclone was around 370 km from the city and is predicted to make landfall between southern Andhra Pradesh and northern Tamil Nadu early Sunday. On Friday, heavy rains were reported in Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Pudukkottai, and Ramanathapuram districts. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), scattered showers will continue in the delta districts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Pudukkottai on Saturday, as well as in Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Virudhunagar, and Madurai districts.

Chennai and Surrounding Areas:

Moderate to heavy rainfall is likely in nine districts, including Chennai and Kancheepuram, on Saturday. Widespread heavy rain is expected in Thanjavur, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, and Ranipet districts. An orange alert has been issued for Tiruvallur, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and Ranipet districts for May 30. Cloudy skies have prevailed over the city since Friday morning, with light showers in some areas, accompanied by strong, chilly winds.

Rameswaram and Tourist Spots:

The famous pilgrimage town of Rameswaram has seen very few visitors over the past three days due to continuous heavy rainfall. Nearby tourist locations such as Dhanushkodi have also reported a decline in footfall. Authorities have prohibited tourists from visiting Dhanushkodi and Arichal Munai beaches because of strong winds reaching 65–70 kmph. The sea in Rameswaram turned rough on Friday, creating apprehension among residents in coastal zones.

NDRF Teams Deployed:

In preparation for the cyclone’s impact, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry for rescue operations. Teams from Arakkonam were sent to six delta districts—Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukkottai, Cuddalore, and Tiruvarur—on Friday afternoon.

Government Response:

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has instructed district collectors to begin advance relief operations in areas prone to heavy rainfall. He urged state ministers, legislators, and local body representatives to be on standby to assist affected residents and relocate them to safe government-run shelters. He conducted a video conference with collectors from 14 districts, including Thoothukudi, Tiruvallur, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukkottai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, and Kancheepuram.

Schools and Colleges Closed:

Due to the ongoing heavy rains, educational institutions in seven districts, including Puducherry and Karaikal, will remain closed on Saturday. Flights in Puducherry were also cancelled for the day. The districts declaring holidays include Cuddalore, Kallakurichi, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai.