Cyclone Ditwah Wreaks Havoc: Flight Disruptions and Rising Death Toll
The severe Cyclone Ditwah has intensified into a major crisis, claiming at least 153 lives in Sri Lanka while disrupting air travel and daily life across Southern India. The cyclone's northward movement has triggered widespread alarm, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing severe weather alerts for multiple regions.
Transportation Chaos and Meteorological Updates
Early Sunday morning, two IndiGo flights connecting Chennai International Airport and Jaffna International Airport in Sri Lanka were cancelled due to the cyclone's intensifying impact. The storm system is currently centered over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts, creating hazardous conditions for travel and coastal activities.
The IMD has reported that gale winds reaching 70-80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph, are currently lashing the Tamil Nadu coastline. These dangerous wind conditions are expected to persist through Sunday morning, posing significant risks to maritime operations. Fishermen have been strongly advised against venturing into sea waters until conditions improve.
Regional Impact and Weather Forecast
Southern India is bracing for continued extreme weather conditions throughout Sunday. The IMD forecast predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall at several locations across Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Villuppuram, Chengalpattu districts, along with Puducherry and Karaikal areas.
Additionally, light to moderate rainfall accompanied by strong surface winds is expected across numerous locations in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal region. The weather agency has also warned about possible thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places, adding to the already challenging conditions.
Sea conditions remain particularly dangerous, described as 'High' (rough to very rough) until November 30. The IMD has indicated gradual improvement is expected on Monday and Tuesday, providing some hope for relief from the current severe weather pattern.
Sri Lanka's Humanitarian Crisis
Across the Palk Strait, Sri Lanka faces a devastating humanitarian situation. Beyond the confirmed 153 fatalities, approximately 191 people remain missing according to latest reports. The cyclone has affected the lives of more than half a million people nationwide, with severe landslides and floods causing widespread destruction.
The situation in Hanguranketha, Sri Lanka, remains particularly dire, where survivors have been navigating roads blocked by debris from massive landslides. The international community is monitoring the situation closely as emergency response teams work against time to provide relief and rescue operations.
As Cyclone Ditwah continues its path, authorities in both India and Sri Lanka remain on high alert, coordinating efforts to minimize further damage and casualties while providing essential services to affected communities.
