The India Meteorological Department has placed southern India on high alert as Cyclone Ditwah continues its dangerous path north-northwest across the southwest Bay of Bengal. The severe weather system is expected to reach close to the North Tamil Nadu–Puducherry–South Andhra Pradesh coast by early November 30, prompting widespread precautionary measures across multiple states.
IMD Issues Severe Weather Warning
According to the latest bulletin issued at 4:46 pm on X, the cyclonic storm over the southwest Bay of Bengal is moving steadily toward the Indian coastline. The IMD has warned of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, strong winds, and significant risk of urban flooding across southern states as the system approaches land.
Residents in vulnerable areas have been strongly advised to follow safety instructions and remain indoors during severe weather conditions. The alert comes as Cyclone Ditwah has already demonstrated its destructive potential in Sri Lanka, where it left 123 people dead and several missing.
Tamil Nadu Takes Extensive Precautions
The Tamil Nadu government has implemented comprehensive safety measures anticipating major impact from the approaching cyclone. Coastal and delta districts experienced heavy rainfall on Saturday, with Ramanathapuram and Nagapattinam bearing the brunt of the initial weather activity.
In Rameswaram, normal life remained disrupted for the second consecutive day due to continuous rain and strong winds. Several trees were uprooted in Nagapattinam, while farmers reported paddy crops across nearly one lakh acres were submerged across the Cauvery delta region.
State Disaster Management Minister K K S S R Ramachandran stated that while it remains uncertain whether the cyclone will make landfall near Chennai, the government is fully prepared. 28 SDRF and NDRF teams are currently on standby, with additional teams likely to be airlifted if necessary.
The state has established approximately 6,000 relief camps and alerted both the Air Force and Coast Guard for potential rescue operations. In Cuddalore district alone, arrangements have been made to provide food and shelter for more than one lakh people.
Local authorities have identified 239 vulnerable areas, placed 925 pregnant women under medical supervision, and readied teams to clear fallen trees and drain water from low-lying areas.
Flight operations across southern districts have been significantly disrupted, with 54 flights cancelled so far. Small aircraft services at airports in Chennai, Madurai, Trichy and Thoothukudi will remain suspended from Sunday morning. Chennai Airport officials have advised passengers to check flight status and reschedule non-essential travel.
Andhra Pradesh Braces for Impact
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across parts of Andhra Pradesh from November 30 to December 3 due to Cyclone Ditwah's influence. The system, centred over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Sri Lanka as of 11:30 am after moving northwards at 10 kmph, is expected to bring intense rain to Tirupati, Chittoor, Prakasam, Nellore, Kadapa and Annamayya districts.
Weather officials have predicted squally winds reaching 60 kmph, with gale winds up to 70 kmph on November 30. Fishermen have been advised to stay ashore, and the public has been urged to exercise extreme caution.
The APSDMA has specifically requested residents in vulnerable pockets of Andhra Pradesh to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during peak rainfall periods. Authorities warned that strong winds could uproot trees, damage weak structures, and harm standing crops, particularly vegetables and horticulture nearing harvest.
Sri Lanka Reels from Destruction
As Cyclone Ditwah exits Sri Lanka, the country faces devastating aftermath with 123 confirmed fatalities, 130 people missing, and nearly 15,000 homes destroyed. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a state of emergency as tens of thousands remain in shelters and several districts remain inaccessible.
Authorities warned that heavy rains and high winds may continue due to the system's indirect impact even after its exit from the country.
India has launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, deploying C-130 and IL-76 aircraft loaded with relief supplies, along with a naval ship that donated rations to local authorities. More rescue personnel have been pressed into action as conditions worsen in central Sri Lanka.
