Chennai, Nov 29 (NationPress) The incoming Cyclone Ditwah has severely impacted daily life along the coast of Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram on Saturday, leading to high tides, fierce winds, and relentless rainfall that have disrupted transportation systems, caused damage to fishing infrastructures, and necessitated the evacuation of at-risk coastal residents.

Wind velocities reached up to 65–70 kmph along the shore, prompting Southern Railway to halt all train activities on the Pamban sea bridge for safety reasons.

Trains from Chennai, Kanyakumari, and Madurai heading to Rameswaram were stopped at Mandapam, where government buses were organized to transport passengers to the island.

Services departing from Rameswaram will similarly operate from Mandapam until conditions improve.

Railway officials indicated that train operations over the sea bridge would recommence only once wind speeds decrease to safe levels, ensuring structural integrity.

Throughout Rameswaram, Mandapam, and Pamban, torrential rain and strong gusts lashed the coast, compelling fishermen to scramble to protect their boats from the turbulent seas.

The district recorded an average rainfall of 2 cm by Friday afternoon. In Rameswaram harbor, a mechanized fishing vessel broke loose from its anchorage due to the rough waves and drifted ashore at Serankottai.

Coastal erosion intensified in sensitive areas, dragging several local fishing boats into the sea.

Fishermen braved the harsh conditions to retrieve and secure the drifting vessels.

District Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon, who assessed the readiness in fishing communities, stated that while rainfall remained moderate, the strong winds posed a significant risk.

"The coastal regions are experiencing winds between 50–70 kmph. For safety reasons, approximately 40 residents from the fishing settlement in Dhanushkodi have been relocated to a government school in Rameswaram," he shared.

He further mentioned that teams have been dispatched throughout coastal villages, and evacuations will expand if there is a surge or heavy rainfall.

Officials have suspended tourist access to Dhanushkodi until further notice to prevent any incidents along the exposed coastline.

Police have barricaded Pudu Road and turned away visitors trying to access the tip of the island.

As Cyclone Ditwah advances northward across the Bay of Bengal, district authorities are on high alert, keeping a close watch on sea conditions, vulnerable communities, and transport routes to mitigate risks to residents and travelers.