Cyclone Ditwah LIVE: Heavy Rain Batters Tamil Nadu as Storm Nears Coast; Dozens of Flights Hit

Cyclone Ditwah exited Sri Lanka on Saturday afternoon after unleashing severe destruction across the island nation, killing at least 153 people and leaving 191 missing, Reuters reported. The storm triggered widespread flooding and landslides as it swept through the country.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the cyclone is likely to intensify slightly as it moves north-northwestwards toward the Indian coastline. According to the latest IMD bulletin, the system is expected to reach the Southwest Bay of Bengal near north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh by Sunday morning before making landfall later in the day. Heavy rainfall is forecast for the southern and Cauvery delta districts of Tamil Nadu between November 29 and 30.

Tamil Nadu minister KKSSR Ramachandran told ANI that 6,000 relief camps have been activated across the state, while 28 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed as a precautionary measure.

IMD director general Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra told ANI that the cyclone may strengthen slightly as it tracks toward the Indian coast. “With this wind speed, the cyclone storm will continue to move north-northwestwards and reach near the North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast by 30th early morning,” he said.

IMD Issues Red Alerts

Rainfall intensity is expected to increase along the Tamil Nadu coastline as the cyclone approaches. The IMD has warned of “heavy to extremely heavy rainfall” across Tamil Nadu, south Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry over the next two days.

“This rainfall can lead to localised inundation and flooding. Especially in urban areas, flooding can occur. In hilly areas, flash-flood-like situations can also occur,” Mohapatra said.

A red alert has been issued for Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Chengalpattu, and Puducherry in view of the risk of extremely heavy rainfall. Coastal Andhra Pradesh–Yanam and Rayalaseema are also likely to witness heavy to very heavy showers on Saturday, followed by extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations on Sunday.

India Sends Aid to Sri Lanka

Following the extensive devastation in Sri Lanka, India has dispatched food items and essential relief materials to support recovery efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and assured further assistance for those affected by the disaster.

Meanwhile, adverse weather conditions have forced the cancellation of more than 50 flights across several districts in Tamil Nadu, ANI reported.