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Chennai: For the second consecutive day, Chennai police have enforced a strict ban on public access to the city’s iconic Marina Beach and other coastal stretches as Cyclone Ditwah, now weakened into a deep depression, continues to churn up dangerous sea conditions. Despite the official prohibitions, a few adventurous individuals have been attempting to breach security to capture photographs and reels of the turbulent sea.

Although Cyclone Ditwah has lost some of its meteorological intensity and is expected to degenerate into a low-pressure area this afternoon, its peripheral effects remain potent. The system, currently located about 140 km southeast of Chennai, is whipping up strong winds and aggressive sea waves along the North Tamil Nadu coast.

The visible impact has been dramatic along the shoreline. At Marina, Pattinambakkam, Neelankarai, Thiruvanmiyur, and Kasimedu, sea waves have risen to a height of several feet, crashing onto the shore with a threatening roar, especially at night. The accompanying winds have been powerful enough to pose a serious risk to public safety.

“The wind pressure from the cyclone is still strong, and the sea remains very rough. To prevent any untoward incident, the ban on visiting beaches continues today,” a police official stated, explaining the rationale behind the extended restriction.

However, enforcement has been challenging. According to ground reports, some members of the public have been finding alternative routes to access the prohibited Marina Beach, attempting to take photographs and videos with the roaring waves in the background. Police personnel have been patrolling the area to identify and remove these individuals, who are reportedly risking their lives by venturing close to the dangerous surf.