Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 30: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has initiated a series of emergency measures to safeguard communication networks as Cyclone Ditwah advances over the Bay of Bengal toward the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. A 24/7 Control Room has been established to coordinate with telecom operators, district administrations and State Disaster Management Authorities to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.
According to an official statement, telecom service providers have been instructed to maintain seamless network operations by securing adequate fuel reserves, preparing emergency power backups and deploying field teams across vulnerable districts. As part of its disaster protocol, the DoT has completed Intra Circle Roaming and Cell Broadcast testing across all networks to support uninterrupted service and rapid dissemination of alerts during emergencies. The department said it will continue monitoring the situation closely through constant updates from service providers.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for several districts in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh on Sunday, predicting light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning as Cyclone Ditwah influences east-coast weather patterns.
The severe weather has already resulted in three deaths in Tamil Nadu, along with the loss of 149 cattle. Approximately 57,000 hectares of farmland in the delta region have suffered damage. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) expects heavy rainfall to be concentrated in northern Tamil Nadu on Sunday, with conditions likely to ease from Monday. Since Friday night, intense rains have inundated villages, damaged crops and flooded salt pans across southern coastal and delta districts.
In Andhra Pradesh, a yellow alert has been issued for Nellore, Chittoor and Tirupati districts, where heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds are anticipated. The state disaster management authority, along with NDRF teams, has been deployed for relief and rescue efforts as the cyclone approaches.