Cyclone Ditwah Moves Toward India After Ravaging Sri Lanka: Heavy Rains Batter Tamil Nadu

Digital Desk

Cyclone Ditwah, which has already caused massive destruction in Sri Lanka, is now advancing toward India, triggering severe weather alerts across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry. Meteorologists warn that the storm may intensify further by Saturday evening, bringing heavy to very heavy rainfall in several regions.

Tamil Nadu Bears Early Impact

Continuous downpours have disrupted operations at Chennai Airport, where 54 flights have been cancelled.
In Puducherry, the Central University has announced a holiday on Saturday and postponed all scheduled exams. Schools and colleges in Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam will remain shut until Monday as a precaution.

Sri Lanka Devastated: 123 Dead, Dozens Missing

Sri Lanka is facing severe floods and landslides, with 123 fatalities and over 130 people missing.
Additionally, nearly 300 Indian passengers remain stranded at Colombo Airport for the third consecutive day after Chennai-bound flights were halted. Most passengers were travelling from Dubai to India via Sri Lanka.

Cyclone’s Effect Intensifies Along Tamil Nadu Coast

High waves recorded along coastal areas of Nagapattinam
Heavy rainfall causing widespread waterlogging in Nagapattinam and Rameswaram
Over 1,500 mechanised boats and 2,000 traditional boats anchored in Thanjavur
Waterlogged residential areas in Rameswaram with up to 2 feet of standing water
Several trains cancelled or diverted due to flooding

IMD Forecast: Landfall on November 30

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that Cyclone Ditwah will make landfall along the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coastline on November 30. The storm may lead to:

Flash floods in low-lying and coastal regions
Landslides in hilly districts
Heavy rain across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry

Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to stay alert and follow official advisories.

India Launches Operation Sagar Bandhu to Aid Sri Lanka

In response to the humanitarian crisis, India has initiated Operation Sagar Bandhu to support Sri Lanka.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that an Indian Air Force IL-76 aircraft carrying relief supplies has reached Colombo.

So far, 27 tonnes of relief material have been delivered through air and sea routes, along with 80 NDRF personnel deployed to assist in rescue and restoration efforts.