India is bracing for severe weather conditions as Cyclone Ditwah moves north–northwest over the southwest Bay of Bengal, heading towards the North Tamil Nadu–Puducherry–South Andhra Pradesh coastline. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is expected to come close to the coast by early November 30 and may trigger heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, strong winds and urban flooding across several southern states.
The cyclone has already caused extensive devastation in Sri Lanka, where 123 people have died and many remain missing, prompting Indian authorities to heighten vigilance.
IMD Issues Fresh Alerts
In its latest bulletin shared at 4:46 pm on X, the IMD reported that the storm, after moving away from Sri Lanka, continues to intensify as it travels over the Bay of Bengal. Residents in coastal regions have been advised to stay indoors during severe spells of rain, follow safety instructions and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
Tamil Nadu Activates Emergency Measures
Tamil Nadu has implemented large-scale preparations as the cyclone threatens to bring intense rainfall and gusty winds.
Coastal and delta districts such as Ramanathapuram and Nagapattinam witnessed heavy rain on Saturday, disrupting life in Rameswaram for a second consecutive day. Strong winds uprooted trees in several areas, and vast stretches of paddy fields—estimated at nearly one lakh acres—were submerged across the Cauvery delta.
In Chennai, authorities are preparing to release surplus reservoir water to prevent flooding. State Disaster Management Minister K. K. S. S. R. Ramachandran stated that although the exact landfall point remains uncertain, the administration is fully geared up. A total of 28 NDRF and SDRF teams have been deployed or kept on standby, with more teams ready for airlift if needed.
Nearly 6,000 relief camps have been established, and the Air Force and Coast Guard have been placed on alert. In Cuddalore district alone, arrangements have been made to shelter more than one lakh people, while officials have identified 239 vulnerable localities and ensured medical supervision for 925 pregnant women.
Flight operations across southern districts have been hit hard, with 54 flights cancelled. Small aircraft services at airports in Chennai, Madurai, Trichy and Thoothukudi will remain suspended from Sunday morning. Passengers have been requested to confirm their flight status before travelling.
The Southern Railway has also revised train services for December. With wind speed reducing at Pamban Bridge, authorities expect rail connectivity to Rameswaram to resume shortly.
Schools in Villupuram district have been closed in anticipation of heavy rainfall, possible flooding and disruptions to electricity and transport networks.
Agriculture Minister R. Ramachandran confirmed widespread crop damage in the delta, stating that compensation will be provided once floodwaters recede and losses are assessed.
Andhra Pradesh to Face Intense Rain and Winds
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across several Andhra Pradesh districts—including Tirupati, Chittoor, Prakasam, Nellore, Kadapa and Annamayya—between November 30 and December 3.
According to APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain, isolated places in Tirupati and Chittoor may receive torrential spells through Saturday. Squally winds up to 60 kmph and gale winds reaching 70 kmph on November 30 have also been predicted.
Fishermen have been warned to stay ashore, while residents in vulnerable areas have been instructed to remain indoors and avoid travel during peak rainfall hours. Authorities cautioned that trees, unstable structures and standing crops remain at risk of severe damage.
Thunderstorms with lightning are expected across South Coastal Andhra Pradesh, North Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema during this period.
Sri Lanka Suffers Massive Damage; India Sends Aid
As Cyclone Ditwah moved away from Sri Lanka, it left behind a trail of destruction—killing 123 people, leaving 130 missing and damaging nearly 15,000 homes. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a state of emergency, with thousands taking refuge in temporary camps and several districts still cut off.
Despite the cyclone’s departure, authorities warned that indirect effects may continue to bring rain and strong winds.
India has launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, dispatching C-130 and IL-76 aircraft loaded with relief materials and sending a naval ship carrying food supplies. Additional rescue teams have been mobilized as central Sri Lanka continues to battle worsening conditions.