Cyclone Ditwah triggers heavy rains across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh; IMD issues red alert
Chennai: Cyclone Ditwah, which caused widespread destruction in Sri Lanka, has now advanced towards India, bringing heavy rainfall to Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and parts of Andhra Pradesh.
With the deep depression strengthening into a cyclonic storm over the southwest Bay of Bengal, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday announced a red alert for multiple districts across the southern coast.
According to IMD’s latest bulletin, the cyclone is expected to move towards the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry–south Andhra Pradesh coast, reaching the southwest Bay of Bengal near the shoreline by the early hours of Sunday. While the exact landfall point remains uncertain, meteorologists say the system may pass close to Chennai, causing intense rainfall and strong winds.
The Cyclonic Storm Ditwah [Pronunciation: Ditwah] over southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Sri Lanka moved nearly northwards with the speed of 10 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centered at 1730 hrs IST of today, the 29th November 2025 over southwest Bay of Bengal and… pic.twitter.com/OLqMvKybcy
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) November 29, 2025
Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management Minister K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran stated that the government is fully prepared to launch large-scale rescue and relief operations. “All departments have been alerted, precautionary teams are working round the clock, and shelters have been made ready,” he assured.
The cyclone has already disrupted air travel, with nearly 54 flights cancelled at Chennai International Airport due to strong winds and poor visibility, airport officials confirmed.
Wind speeds touching 90 kmph
IMD Director General Dr. Mritunjay Mohapatra said that winds around Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts have intensified to 70–80 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 90 kmph. Although Ditwah is likely to pass about 50 km from the coastline on Sunday morning, its impact will continue till evening.
“Structural damage is unlikely, but agricultural fields, standing crops, and weak trees may suffer significant harm,” Mohapatra added.
Heavy rains, flooding fears; residents urged to stay indoors
Over the past 24 hours, coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry have witnessed widespread heavy rainfall. IMD has issued a red alert, warning that extremely heavy showers may continue, especially in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding.
Kerala may also experience isolated heavy to very heavy rain events, IMD noted. “Residents in these states must remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel. Flooding in low-lying areas is a major concern,” Mohapatra warned.
Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea. Waves up to 8 metres high were recorded along the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast, signalling dangerous sea conditions.
What is ‘Ditwah’?
The name ‘Ditwah’ was suggested by Yemen and refers to a lagoon—Ditwah Lagoon—located along the northwestern coast of Socotra Island.
With Cyclone Ditwah continuing to advance along the southern coast, authorities have urged the public to cooperate with safety directives and stay updated on official advisories in the coming hours.
Also Read: Hefty penalties imposed as Excise Department targets illegal liquor pricing
