Cyclone Ditwah heads towards Tamil Nadu coast, heavy rain alert in Telangana, Andhra

Hyderabad: Cyclone Ditwah is moving closer to the Indian coastline from the southwest Bay of Bengal, prompting fresh weather alerts. On Sunday, the storm was 80 km from Karaikal, 160 km from Puducherry, and 250 km southeast of Chennai. Over six hours, it advanced at 5 km per hour, according to the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA).

Officials expect the cyclone to move northwest, running parallel to the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast within the next 24 hours. In response, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued rain warnings across southern India.

IMD forecasts heavy rain in Telangana and Andhra districts

Rainfall is likely across Telangana for the next three days. On Monday, the IMD expects heavy showers in Khammam, Nalgonda, Suryapet, and Nagarkurnool districts.

In Andhra Pradesh, the APSDMA issued a red alert for Nellore, Chittoor, and Tirupati. These districts may see very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Prakasam, Kadapa, and Annamayya districts are under an orange alert due to the chance of heavy rain. Forecasters also included Anantapur, Sri Sathya Sai, Kurnool, Nandyal, Palnadu, Bapatla, and Guntur among areas at risk.

The cyclone is also pushing strong winds across coastal regions. Wind speeds could reach up to 80 kmph. Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors and follow safety instructions, especially in vulnerable and low-lying areas.