TN, Puducherry see heavy rain; NDRF, SDRF teams deployed

Cyclone Ditwah Live: Puducherry tightens coastal access; tourists turn back

Cyclone Ditwah Live: Cyclone Ditwah moves Northward along TN–Puducherry Coast

Cyclonic Storm Ditwah continued its slow northward movement at 5 kmph over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Sri Lanka–Tamil Nadu coasts. As of 2:30 AM on November 30, it was positioned near latitude 10.8°N and longitude 80.6°E—approximately 80 km east of Karaikal, 100 km east-northeast of Vedaranniyam, 140 km north-northeast of Jaffna, 160 km south-southeast of Puducherry, and 250 km south of Chennai.

Cyclone Ditwah Live: Cyclone expected to move parallel to coast, close pass imminent

The IMD forecasts that Ditwah will track nearly northwards, moving parallel to the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coastline over the next 24 hours. The storm is expected to come within 50 km of the coast by early morning and as close as 25 km by this evening, posing a significant risk of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough sea conditions along the coastal stretch.

Cyclone Ditwah Live Updates: Strong winds and rough sea conditions witnessed in Chennai (Video)

Cyclone Ditwah Live Updates: Yellow alert in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry

Cyclone Ditwah Live: Ashwini Vaishnaw reviews conducts high-level review meeting

Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw conducted a high-level review with the Southern Railway General Manager and teams to ensure minimal disruption to services during Cyclone Ditwah.

He directed officials to activate War Rooms at divisional, zonal, and Railway Board levels for continuous monitoring. Dedicated helplines and passenger-assistance desks are being set up to support travellers affected by cancellations, diversions, or delays.

The minister stressed close coordination with civil authorities and proactive communication with passengers until full normalcy is restored.

Cyclone Ditwah Live Updates: IMD warns of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning in Chennai

A Yellow alert has been issued for various districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, including Chennai, for the next three hours. Light to moderate rain with thunderstorm and lightening expected: IMD

Cyclone Ditwah Live: Severe rainfall likely across Tamil Nadu

Several districts, including Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, and Ranipet, are expected to witness heavy rainfall as Cyclone Ditwah approaches the coast.

Isolated pockets in Vellore, Dharmapuri, Dindigul, and Theni may also receive significant showers. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors, avoid low-lying or coastal zones, and adhere strictly to safety advisories. Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea along the affected coasts.

Cyclone Ditwah Live: IMD issues red alert

The IMD issued a red alert as Cyclone Ditwah intensified over the southwest Bay of Bengal and moved northwards at 7 kmph, posing a major threat to northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh coasts.

As of 8.30pm, the cyclone was located 80–180 km off key coastal points and is expected to edge closer—within 60 km by midnight, 50 km by early morning, and 25 km by tomorrow evening. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is forecast across Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Villuppuram, Chengalpattu, and Puducherry-Karaikal areas.

Cyclone Ditwah Live Updates: Bengaluru sees temperature dip to 21.6°C

Bengaluru woke up on Saturday to an unexpected chill that persisted through the afternoon. Cloudy skies, and a biting breeze pushed daytime temperatures down to 21.6°C, the coldest Nov day recorded this year. According to IMD’s CS Patil, the sudden fall was influenced by Cyclone Ditwah.

India remains on high alert as Cyclone Ditwah moves north-northwest over the southwest Bay of Bengal, heading towards the North Tamil Nadu–Puducherry–South Andhra Pradesh coast. The IMD has warned of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, strong winds and the risk of urban flooding as the system nears land. Ditwah has already caused severe devastation in Sri Lanka, where more than 120 people have died and many remain missing.

Tamil Nadu has activated extensive precautionary measures, with coastal districts already experiencing intense rain and winds. Thousands of relief camps have been readied, NDRF and SDRF teams deployed, and reservoirs prepared for controlled water release. Flight operations across southern airports have been disrupted, and several districts have closed schools and colleges in anticipation of worsening conditions.

Neighbouring Andhra Pradesh is also bracing for impact, with forecasts of heavy rain, squally winds and potential damage to crops and infrastructure. Residents across affected regions have been urged to remain indoors and follow safety advisories.

5 NDRF teams airlifted from Gujarat to Tamil Nadu for Cyclone Ditwah response

5 teams of 6 BN NDRF, equipped with FWR & CSSR assets, have been airlifted from Vadodara, Gujarat, to Chennai for deployment in Tamil Nadu, in view of the prevailing situation due to Cyclone Ditwah

Cyclone Ditwah: As cyclone deaths pass 150, Sri Lanka is overwhelmed by rescue demand

Calls for help are rising rapidly as vast areas of Sri Lanka remain submerged and the death toll from Cyclone Ditwah has passed 150. In the central region, about 100 miles north of Colombo, dozens sought safety on a rooftop after floodwaters engulfed the bus they were travelling in. Nearly 100 students in the east are stranded in hostels without food or water, while ten families remain trapped on an upper floor. Emergency services are overwhelmed, with deaths reported in half of Sri Lanka’s districts.

The slow-moving Cyclone Ditwah brought rainfall to parts of south Tamil Nadu on Friday, while Chennai and the northern districts prepare for heavier showers this weekend. By Friday evening, the storm was positioned 490km south of Chennai, having inched across Sri Lanka at barely 3kmph, covering only 70km in 15 hours. Although Ditwah is expected to weaken into a deep depression as it moves parallel to the Chennai coast on 30 November, it may still produce widespread and heavy rain.

The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall on November 29 in four coastal districts of north Tamil Nadu, including Chengalpet and parts of the delta region. Chennai and 13 neighbouring districts are under an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain. Wind speeds are forecast to strengthen over the weekend, reaching up to 90kmph along coastal areas. Despite some weakening over Sri Lanka, experts say the system may regain intensity over the sea.

Flights between Chennai and Sri Lanka were disrupted on Friday as Cyclone Ditwah caused severe weather across the island nation. Indigo and SriLankan Airlines faced delays, diversions, and cancellations. An Indigo flight from Colombo due at 4.30am arrived two hours late, while another landed five hours behind schedule. A SriLankan Airlines service reached Chennai an hour late, with another delayed by four hours. Departures from Chennai were similarly affected: one delayed Indigo flight was diverted to Coimbatore before reaching Colombo later.

Heavy rain lashes parts of Vedaranyam as cyclone Ditwah moves closer

Cyclonic storm Ditwah moves northwards along Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast: IMD

Death toll from floods and mudslides in Sri Lanka rises to 132, with 176 people still missing

The death toll from the floods and mudslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka has risen to 132, with 176 people still reported missing, authorities confirmed on Saturday.

Nearly 78,000 people have been displaced and are sheltering in temporary accommodation, according to the country’s disaster management centre.

The toll is expected to increase, as “several areas affected by overnight mudslides” remain inaccessible.

Sri Lanka has faced relentless severe weather since last week, with conditions worsening on Thursday when intense rainfall flooded homes, fields and roads, and caused landslides across the central hill country. Schools, offices and examinations have been suspended.

Tamil Nadu: Heavy rains lash several districts; Deputy CM, ministers on inspections

Heavy rainfall has lashed several districts of Tamil Nadu for the past two days, prompting deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin to carry out field inspections in affected areas and at the State Disaster Force control room in Chennai. He was accompanied by Revenue Minister KKSSR Ramachandran. The deputy CM said that complaints and requests from the public about rain-related problems shared on social media “have been taken up for review,” adding that officials “have responded immediately to all grievances received.”

Weather forecasts indicate further heavy rain in the northern districts until noon on 30 November due to a cyclonic system, with Nagapattinam alone recording 30 cm over two days. Puducherry is also experiencing severe rain and strong winds as Cyclone Ditwah approaches.

To bolster rescue efforts, 16 State Disaster Response Force teams and 12 NDRF teams have been deployed, with 10 more on the way. Authorities have advised fishermen to avoid the sea, and nearly 20,000 hectares remain submerged.

High tides, strong winds and rainfall hit the coastal areas of the Union Territory as cyclone Ditwah moves closer

Cyclone Ditwah: Indian helicopters carry out rescue operations in Sri Lanka

The Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka confirmed on Saturday that Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant have been conducting rescue operations to assist those affected by Cyclone Ditwah. India reiterated its solidarity with Sri Lanka during this crisis.

"Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant carried out search and rescue sorties today, supporting people affected by Cyclone Ditwah. India stands firmly with Sri Lanka in this difficult time, working together to save lives and extend timely relief," the Embassy stated.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel have also been deployed, actively conducting rescue operations in flood-affected areas. Additionally, two Indian aircraft, carrying over 20 tonnes of relief supplies, arrived in Colombo as part of India’s Neighbourhood First policy, further reinforcing the ongoing rescue and relief efforts.

Cyclone Ditwah: Flights canceled, schools shut; shelters set up — how India is bracing for impact

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. Read full story

Tamil Nadu: A 150-member NDRF team equipped with specialised gear has been deployed to Villupuram as part of preparedness measures for Cyclone Ditwah.

Railways ensures preparedness under union minister Vaishnaw's supervision

"In view of Cyclone Ditwah, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed preparedness with Southern Railway teams to ensure minimal disruption. War Rooms at Board, zonal and divisional levels activated. Railways is closely coordinating with civil authorities and continuously monitoring the situation until normalcy returns," it said on X.

Cyclone Ditwah: Indian Air Force to begin evacuation flights from Colombo at 5 AM tomorrow

The Indian Air Force will begin evacuation flights from Colombo at 5 AM on Tuesday to bring stranded Indian passengers home, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said on Saturday.

The move comes amid severe flight disruptions in Sri Lanka caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which has left hundreds of travellers stuck at Bandaranaike International Airport.

In a post on X, Tharoor said he had spoken to India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, about passengers from Thiruvananthapuram who have been unable to leave the airport due to the lack of flight options.

“Spoke to the Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, about the plight of stranded constituents from Thiruvananthapuram who are unable to leave Colombo Airport because of a lack of flight options,” he wrote.

Tharoor added that rescue efforts were already in motion. He said the Indian Air Force would operate evacuation flights from early Tuesday for passengers registered with the High Commission’s control room at the airport, including those travelling to Thiruvananthapuram.

Air India issues travel advisory for Cyclone Ditwah

Air India on Saturday issued a travel advisory on the possible disruption in flight operations due to heavy rain and strong winds resulting from Cyclone Ditwah
Air India requested the travellers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport. The airlines also advised people to contact their call assistance for any assistance.

In a post on X, Air India stated, "Heavy rain and strong winds resulting from Cyclone Ditwah may impact our flights operating to and from Chennai and some other cities in southern India.

"You are requested to check the status of your flights here https://airindia.com/in/en/manage/flight-status.html before proceeding to the airport. For any assistance, please contact our 24x7 Call Centre at 011-69329333 / 011-69329999," they added.

High Commission of India in Colombo urges all Indian passengers stranded in Sri Lanka to register their details

MEA hails Operation Sagar Bandhu

Death toll from floods, mudslides in Sri Lanka hits 153

Sri Lanka declared a state of emergency on Saturday and appealed for global assistance as the death toll from Cyclone Ditwah–triggered floods and mudslides rose to 153, with 191 people still missing.

More than 20,000 homes have been destroyed and 108,000 people moved to state-run shelters, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). Another 798,000 people require assistance after being temporarily displaced, DMC spokesman Pradeep Kodippili said.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake invoked emergency powers, granting him broad authority to manage the fallout from a week of relentless rain.

Among the dead were 11 residents of an elder care home in Kurunegala, which was flooded on Saturday afternoon, police said.

Cyclone Ditwah: Indian Mission assists stranded passengers at Colombo Airport amid flight disruptions

The High Commission of India in Colombo on Saturday set up an emergency help desk at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport to assist Indian citizens stranded due to Cyclone Ditwah, which has caused severe air traffic disruptions that continue to affect flights.

Sri Lanka has appealed for international assistance as the death toll from heavy rains and floods triggered by Cyclone Ditwah rose to 123, with another 130 reported missing, Al Jazeera reported.

The extreme weather system has destroyed nearly 15,000 homes across the country, sending almost 44,000 people to state-run temporary shelters, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said on Saturday.

On Saturday morning, the Indian aircraft delivered more than 20 tonnes of essential relief material along with teams from India's National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

The teams have been positioned to assist Sri Lankan authorities with search and rescue operations and with immediate humanitarian support in affected areas.

"#OperationSagarBandhu standing strong with the people of! Two aircraft carrying 20+ tonnes of relief supplies and NDRF teams landed in Colombo early this morning, ready to support ongoing search and rescue efforts across," High Commission of India in Colombo, Sri Lanka wrote on X.

High Commission of India in Colombo is assisting stranded Indian passengers at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo.

In the wake of severe air traffic disruptions, Indian passengers facing difficulties are being provided food, water and other assistance.

IMD issues red alert in TN, Puducherry as Cyclone Ditwah nears

The IMD has issued a red alert in parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as Cyclone Ditwah approaches, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds. Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Villuppuram, Chengalpattu, and Puducherry-Karaikal are likely to be worst affected.

Cyclone Ditwah is expected to come within 25 km of the coast by Sunday evening. The state has set up 6,000 relief camps, and 28 NDRF and SDRF teams are deployed, with 10 more teams in transit.

Revenue Minister K K S S R Ramachandran said paddy cultivation in Cauvery delta districts has been affected, and the government will provide compensation. The cyclone has already killed 123 people and left 130 missing in Sri Lanka.

Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu: Strong sea waves hit Nemmeli Kuppam due to the influence of Cyclone Ditwah.

Cyclone Ditwah: IMD warns of heavy rains & strong winds; shelters set up — how India is bracing for impact

Cyclone Ditwah is poised to make landfall near the North Tamil Nadu–Puducherry–South Andhra Pradesh coast by early November 30, prompting high alert across southern India. The storm, which has already caused devastation in Sri Lanka, is expected to bring heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds, leading to widespread disruptions and potential urban flooding. Read full story

Rain triggered by Cyclone Ditwah lashes TN, 28 disaster response teams on standby, says minister

Rain triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, which has now moved into the open sea and is inching towards the Tamil Nadu coast, lashed coastal and Cauvery delta districts on Saturday, with Ramanathapuram and Nagapattinam among the worst affected.

Normal life in Rameswaram remained disrupted for the second consecutive day due to continuous rainfall accompanied by gusty winds. Several trees were uprooted in Nagapattinam, which also recorded intense showers, officials said.

State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister K K S S R Ramachandran said it was still unclear whether Cyclone Ditwah would make landfall near Chennai, but emphasised that the government was fully prepared for rescue and relief operations.

“About 28 disaster response teams, including SDRF and NDRF units, are on standby. We are planning to airlift 10 more teams from other states. The Air Force and Coast Guard have also been alerted. Additional monitoring teams will be sent to the districts tomorrow,” the minister told reporters.

IMD scientist DR Pattnaik gives update on the progression of Cyclone Ditwah

"As per the last update around 11.30 am-12 pm, Cyclone Ditwah lies about 350 km south of Chennai. It is gradually heading north-northwest. It is above Southwest Bay of Bengal and near Sri Lanka. With a speed of 10 kmph, it is heading in a north-northwest direction...We have issued a warning of 70-80 kmph gusting and it will maintain that. On the morning of 1st December, it will downgrade from the classification of cyclonic storm," he said.

Air India issues travel advisory

"Heavy rain and strong winds resulting from Cyclone Ditwah may impact our flights operating to and from Chennai and some other cities in the southern India. You are requested to check the status of your flights before proceeding to the airport," it said in a post on X.

Cyclonic Storm Ditwah alert from IMD

Cyclone Ditwah to bring four days of heavy rain, winds across Andhra

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall across parts of Andhra Pradesh from November 30 to December 3 due to the impact of cyclonic storm Ditwah. The IMD said the storm over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Sri Lanka moved northwards at 10 kmph over the past six hours and remained centred over the same region as of 11.30 am.

Under its influence, Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) managing director Prakhar Jain said isolated areas in Tirupati and Chittoor districts are expected to receive heavy rainfall on Saturday.

Several other districts — including Prakasam, Nellore, Kadapa and Annamayya — are also likely to see heavy showers. For November 30, the IMD has projected heavy to very heavy rainfall, and extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations over South Coastal Andhra Pradesh (SCAP) and Rayalaseema.

“Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely at isolated places over SCAP, Rayalaseema, North Coastal Andhra Pradesh (NCAP) and Yanam,” the IMD said in a press release.

Sri Lanka declares emergency as Cyclone Ditwah kills 123, 130 remain missing

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday issued an extraordinary gazette declaring a state of public emergency, following the widespread devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

The country has appealed for international aid as the death toll from the flooding and heavy rains triggered by the cyclone climbed to 123, with another 130 people still missing, according to Al Jazeera. Nearly 15,000 homes have been destroyed nationwide, forcing close to 44,000 people into state-run temporary shelters, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported.

While Cyclone Ditwah moved north toward India on Saturday, fresh landslides struck the central district of Kandy, about 115km (70 miles) from Colombo, leaving the main access road submerged in multiple stretches.

DMC Director-General Sampath Kotuwegoda said thousands of personnel from the army, navy and air force had been deployed to bolster relief efforts as he announced the updated casualty numbers, Al Jazeera noted.

“Relief operations with the help of the armed forces are underway,” Kotuwegoda told reporters in Colombo.

Cyclone Ditwah exits Sri Lanka leaving behind trail of devastation; death toll at 123

Cyclone Ditwah on Saturday exited Sri Lanka that left more than 120 dead, amid a trail of destruction and damage to infrastructure, entering the south Indian coastal line, meteorological officials said.

“We noticed Ditwah exiting Sri Lanka and heading towards the Indian coast,” Athula Karunanayake, director general of the meteorology department, told reporters, as quoted by PTI.

“However, its indirect impact with heavy rains and high speed winds will remain for some time,” he added.

The official death toll at 9 am was 123 while 130 remain missing, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

Cyclone Ditwah Live: Path and impact

The new cyclonic storm formed over coastal Sri Lanka and the southwest Bay of Bengal, moving north-northwest at 10 kmph. While Goa is expected to remain dry, Ditwah is likely to bring widespread rain to Tamil Nadu, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and isolated showers in coastal Karnataka. It currently lies 40 km southwest of Trincomalee (Sri Lanka) and 320 km southeast of Karaikal (India) and is expected to approach the southwest Bay of Bengal near north Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry.

Cyclone Ditwah Live: Unusual spate of cyclones in north Indian Ocean

Four cyclonic storms have formed in the last two months in the post-monsoon phase — Cyclone Shakti and Montha in October, followed by Senyar and now Ditwah in November. Meteorologists link this rare pattern to unusual warming of the northern Indian Ocean, which has triggered back-to-back storms in the region.

Cyclone Ditwah Live: Pondicherry Central University postpones all exams due to cyclone

Cyclone Ditwah Live: Emergency response and rescue preparedness

Extensive disaster management measures are in place across Villupuram district to handle any fallout from the cyclone. The administration has deployed 55 boats on standby for rescue operations, with five NDRF personnel set to arrive to assist.

To counter potential infrastructure damage, especially from falling electric poles, 12,700 poles have been prepared, and 253 JCB vehicles are ready for emergency use. Authorities also confirmed that 19 coastal fishermen have not ventured into the sea, and rainfall is expected to begin Saturday afternoon, heightening the need for readiness.

Cyclone Ditwah Live: Schools closed in Villupuram amid heavy rain forecast

The Villupuram district administration has stepped up precautionary measures. District Collector Sheikh Abdul Rahman announced the closure of all schools on Saturday, stating that no special classes or examinations should be conducted.

Authorities have identified 103 vulnerable locations in the district that may be affected by the cyclone. These steps aim to safeguard students and residents from the expected heavy rainfall.

Cyclone Ditwah Live: Passengers advised to stay alert

Authorities have urged passengers to contact their respective airlines, verify the latest flight status, and reschedule travel plans if necessary. Cyclone Ditwah, currently moving toward the northern coasts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry after crossing coastal Sri Lanka, has prompted the IMD to issue an orange alert, warning of heavy rains, strong winds, and coastal disruptions. Travellers have been asked to remain vigilant as the cyclone’s impact is expected to intensify.

Cyclone Ditwah Live: Major flight disruptions across Tamil Nadu

A total of 54 flights have been cancelled due to Cyclone Ditwah, impacting travel across multiple districts. Chennai Airport officials confirmed the suspension of 16 flights from Chennai to Thoothukudi, Madurai, and Trichy, and 16 flights on the return routes.

Additionally, 22 flights from Madurai, Trichy, and Puducherry to Bengaluru and Hyderabad have been cancelled. With weather conditions expected to worsen, all small aircraft operations from Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, Thoothukudi, and nearby airports will remain suspended from Sunday morning until night as a safety measure.

Cyclone Ditwah Live: Cyclone Ditwah to hit North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and South Andhra Pradesh

IMD Director Stella has warned that Cyclone Ditwah, moving north over the southwest Bay of Bengal, is expected to cross the Sri Lanka coast and reach the southwest Bay of Bengal near North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and South Andhra Pradesh by the morning of 30th November 2025. Wind speeds are likely to range between 50–60 km/h, peaking at 70 km/h on 29th and 30th November.

Extremely heavy rainfall is expected over Nellore, Prakasam, Tirupati, Chittoor, Annamaya, and Kadapa, while heavy to very heavy rain is possible over Bapatla, Guntur, Palnaadu, and Nandiyan districts. By 1st December, isolated heavy rain may occur in Nellore and Prakasam, with winds gradually reducing to 40–50 km/h. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea till 1st December, and residents of low-lying areas are urged to stay in safe locations.

Cyclone Ditwah Live: Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Forecast in Tamil Nadu

The slow-moving storm brought rainfall to south Tamil Nadu on Friday, with Chennai and northern districts expected to receive heavy to very heavy rain over the weekend. Red alerts have been issued for extremely heavy rain in four coastal districts, while Chennai and 13 adjoining districts remain under an orange alert. Winds in the delta and coastal regions may reach 70–80 kmph, gusting up to 90 kmph.