After wreaking Sri Lanka, cyclone Ditva heading towards Indian coast; Red Alert in south India

NEW DELHI: Cyclone Ditva, which caused havoc in Sri Lanka, is reportedly approaching the Indian coast. The cyclone, which is currently 80 km away from Nagapattinam, is expected to reach the north Tamil Nadu coast by Sunday morning. Winds of up to 80 km per hour are possible. Heavy rain and wind are continuing on the Tamil Nadu coast and in Puducherry. Rain will continue in the Tamil Nadu and Andhra coasts until Monday.

A red alert was issued in all five districts of Tamil Nadu following the cyclone. The Indian Meteorological Department issued an orange alert in 13 districts, including Chennai. The Revenue Minister announced that a total of 6000 relief camps have been opened in Tamil Nadu. NDRF and SDRF teams have been deployed in various districts.

Meanwhile, a state of emergency was declared in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditva’s destructive run. The death toll reportedly crossed 100. Colombo is facing the threat of flooding as the water level in the Kelani River has risen. Schools in Sri Lanka will be closed until December 16. The Colombo port has temporarily shut operations.