Cyclone Ditwah triggered widespread disruption along the Ramanathapuram coast of Tamil Nadu on Saturday, as strong winds, high tides and steady rain unsettled normal life across Rameswaram, Mandapam and Pamban. Authorities suspended rail services over the Pamban sea bridge as a precaution, evacuated vulnerable coastal residents, and restricted tourist movement amid safety concerns.
With wind speeds ranging between 65 and 70 kmph along the coastline, the Southern Railway halted all train operations across the iconic sea bridge linking the mainland to Rameswaram island. Trains from Chennai, Kanyakumari and Madurai heading towards Rameswaram were terminated at Mandapam, from where government bus services were arranged to ferry stranded passengers to the island. Trains scheduled to originate from Rameswaram were also rerouted to operate from Mandapam until weather conditions stabilise.
Railway officials said train movement over the bridge would resume only after wind velocities fall below designated danger levels, citing the need to ensure passenger safety and structural integrity of the bridge. The suspension disrupted weekend travel plans and pilgrimage traffic to Rameswaram, a key religious destination.
Along the coast, incessant rain coupled with powerful gusts battered fishing hamlets and harbour areas. The district recorded an average rainfall of about 2 cm by Friday afternoon, but authorities said the intensity of wind posed a greater threat than rainfall. Rough seas and turbulent waves caused damage to fishing infrastructure, with one mechanised fishing boat breaking free from its anchor at Rameswaram harbour and drifting ashore at Serankottai.
Coastal erosion intensified in several vulnerable stretches, dragging multiple country boats into the water. Despite the risky conditions, fishermen were seen braving the weather to retrieve drifting vessels and secure their boats, fearing heavy losses if the cyclone intensified further.
District officials stepped up monitoring and preparedness measures as the system advanced. District Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon reviewed arrangements in coastal villages and fishing settlements, noting that wind speeds of 50–70 kmph posed significant danger to low-lying areas. As a precaution, around 40 residents from the fishing settlement in Dhanushkodi were relocated to a government school in Rameswaram. Authorities said evacuations would be expanded if sea surge or heavier rainfall was reported.
To prevent mishaps, tourist entry to Dhanushkodi has been suspended until further notice. Police barricaded access at Pudu Road and turned back visitors attempting to reach the tip of the island town, which remains highly exposed to strong winds and tidal activity during cyclonic conditions.
As Cyclone Ditwah continues its northward movement over the Bay of Bengal, district administrations remain on high alert, keeping close watch on sea conditions, transport corridors and vulnerable coastal settlements. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from the shoreline, and follow official advisories as precautionary measures remain in place.
