The Cyclonic Storm Ditwah over the Bay of Bengal continued to move steadily toward the Chennai coast, prompting the Tamil Nadu government to place multiple district administrations on high alert.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall for the next three days, issuing Red and Orange alerts for several northern and coastal districts.
In response to the looming threat, the State government has deployed teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to undertake rescue and relief operations.
The NDRF teams have arrived equipped with rubber boats, tree-cutting machines, and other essential tools to evacuate people from waterlogged and vulnerable areas and shift them to safer locations.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin reviewed the preparedness with district collectors and instructed them to activate relief centres on a war footing. He emphasised the need to relocate residents from low-lying regions and riverbank settlements well in advance to avoid last-minute emergencies.
The Chief Minister also directed officials to ensure that relief centres are fully stocked with drinking water, food, medical supplies, and other essential amenities.