Cyclone Ditwah: Red Alert for Tirupati, Prakasam and Nellore
Table of Contents
Source: Deccan Chronicle
Relevance: GS-3: Cyclone management
Key Concepts for Prelims and Mains:
For Prelims:
- Facts about Tropical Cyclones in Bay of Bengal, Cyclone Ditwah, IMD Alerts, Affected Districts in AP
For Mains:
- Cyclone management in India, Vulnerability of East Coast, Disaster Preparedness, Impact on Agriculture & Fisheries, Climate Change Linkages Inter-state Coordination, Role of IMD & NDMA
Why in News?
- On 30 November 2025, a Red Alert was issued for Tirupati, Prakasam, and Nellore districts.
- Cyclone Ditwah over the Bay of Bengal is expected to weaken into a depression by early Monday.
- IMD warns of very heavy rainfall, squally winds, and dangerous sea conditions.
- Andhra Pradesh govt has activated control rooms in vulnerable districts.
Background / Present Status
- Cyclone Ditwah is moving parallel to the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast.
- Currently at the weakening stage, expected to reduce into a depression.
- Moderate to heavy rainfall already recorded in Nellore & Tirupati.
- Fishermen advised not to venture into the sea till December 2.
Key Features of Cyclone Ditwah
1. Rainfall Impact
- Heavy to very heavy rainfall:
- Tirupati, Prakasam, Nellore
- YSR Kadapa, Annamayya, Bapatla
- Chittoor, Sri Sathya Sai, Anantapur, Nandyal
- Palnadu, Guntur, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema
2. Wind Impact
- Squally winds:
- 45–55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph (morning)
- Expected to reduce to 35–45 kmph, gusting 55 kmph by evening
3. Sea & Coastal Impact
- Rough sea conditions
- Fishermen strictly prohibited from venturing into sea till December 2
- Waves & water surge risks along south coastal Andhra Pradesh
What IMD Says
- Rainfall will intensify from Sunday night to Monday morning.
- System likely to weaken steadily.
- Cyclone track parallel to TN–Puducherry coast, reducing landfall risks.
Regions to Watch (AP)
- Red Alert: Tirupati, Prakasam, Nellore
- Heavy Rainfall Expected: YSR Kadapa, Annamayya, Bapatla, Chittoor, Sri Sathya Sai, Nandyal, Palnadu, Guntur, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema
Government Measures / Advisory
- District control rooms activated.
- Citizens urged to avoid:
- Water-logging zones
- Low-lying vulnerable areas
- Travel during peak rain hours
- Fishermen not allowed in sea till December 2.
- Emergency teams on standby in coastal districts.
Way Forward
- Continuous monitoring of cyclone movement & rainfall.
- Strengthen evacuation plans for low-lying coastal areas.
- Maintain power, communication backup and disaster response readiness.
- Post-cyclone:
- Damage assessment
- Restoration of roads, electricity, and water systems
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding Cyclone Ditwah (2025):
- A Red Alert was issued for Tirupati, Prakasam, and Nellore districts.
- IMD forecast squally winds up to 65 kmph during the cyclone’s peak phase.
- The cyclone made landfall near Puducherry.
Which of the above statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A. 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Red alert issued for three AP districts.
- Statement 2 is correct: IMD predicted 45–55 kmph winds, gusting to 65 kmph.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: Cyclone did not make landfall; it moved parallel to TN–Puducherry coast.
