Cyclone Ditwah triggers rainfall, strong winds and high tides
India is on high alert as Cyclone Ditwah continues to move north-northwest over the southwest Bay of Bengal and is expected to reach close to the North Tamil Nadu–Puducherry–South Andhra Pradesh coast by early November 30, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The agency has warned of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, strong winds and the risk of urban flooding across multiple southern states as the system approaches land. The cyclone has intensified the level of alertness as it already left 123 dead and several missing in Sri Lanka.
IMD alert
After exiting Sri Lanka, the IMD said the cyclonic storm over the southwest Bay of Bengal is moving north–northwest and is expected to approach the North Tamil Nadu–Puducherry–South Andhra Pradesh coast by early November 30, as per the alert shared at 4.46 pm on X. Residents have been advised to follow safety instructions and remain indoors during severe weather.
Tamil Nadu prepares shelters, cancels flights
In Tamil Nadu, the government has rolled out extensive precautionary measures, as it could potentially face major impact. Rain triggered by Cyclone Ditwah lashed coastal and delta districts on Saturday, with Ramanathapuram and Nagapattinam witnessing the heaviest impact. Normal life in Rameswaram remained disrupted for a second day due to continuous rain and strong winds, and a few trees were uprooted in Nagapattinam. Heavy rain and strong winds were reported across the Cauvery delta, and farmers said paddy crops over nearly one lakh acres were submerged. In Chennai, surplus water from major reservoirs is set to be released as a precaution. State Disaster Management Minister K K S S R Ramachandran said it was still unclear whether the cyclone would make landfall near Chennai, but the government was fully prepared, with 28 SDRF and NDRF teams on standby and more likely to be airlifted. About 6,000 relief camps have been set up, and the Air Force and Coast Guard have been alerted.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, taken 925 pregnant women under medical supervision and readied teams to clear fallen trees and drain water from low-lying stretches.NDRF teams have been deployed across coastal districts, including Villupuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai and Pudukkottai. Additional teams are on standby for Chennai and Puducherry.Meanwhile, flight operations across southern districts have been disrupted, with 54 flights cancelled. 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 travel.Schools in Villupuram have been ordered shut as the district administration braces for heavy rainfall, potential flooding and disruptions to transport and power lines.
Heavy rainfall and gale winds expected in Andhra
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across parts of Andhra Pradesh from November 30 to December 3 under the influence of Cyclonic Storm Ditwah. 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.Squally winds reaching 60 kmph, and gale winds up to 70 kmph on November 30, have also been predicted. Fishermen have been advised to stay ashore, and authorities have urged the public to remain cautious.The APSDMA has urged residents in vulnerable pockets of Andhra Pradesh to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during peak rainfall.Officials warned that strong winds could uproot trees, damage weak structures and harm standing crops, particularly vegetables and horticulture nearing harvest.Thunderstorms with lightning have been forecast across South Coastal Andhra Pradesh, North Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema from November 30 to December 3.
Sri Lanka devastated as Ditwah exits, India launches relief operation
Cyclone Ditwah has already left a severe trail of destruction in Sri Lanka, killing 123 people, leaving 130 missing and destroying nearly 15,000 homes. 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.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. Go to Source