The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued stark warnings as Cyclone Ditwah moves steadily toward the north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts, prompting authorities in the region to implement extensive safety measures in preparation for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential urban flooding. The cyclone, currently traveling over coastal Sri Lanka and the nearby southwest Bay of Bengal, has continued to strengthen, causing significant disruption in both Sri Lanka and southern India.

In Sri Lanka, the cyclone has already had devastating consequences, with 69 deaths reported and 34 individuals still missing. Torrential rains and flooding have displaced thousands, while low-lying areas remain under severe threat. The impact of the cyclone has reverberated across the region, with authorities in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and parts of south Andhra Pradesh preparing for its eventual landfall.

IMD Forecast and Weather Warnings

According to the latest forecast by the IMD, Cyclone Ditwah is expected to intensify slightly and make its approach toward the North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast by early November 30. The department has issued warnings of extremely heavy rainfall, strong winds, and the possibility of urban flooding across Tamil Nadu, south Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry.

Current wind speeds along the Tamil Nadu coast are reported to range between 50 and 60 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 70 kilometers per hour. These winds are expected to strengthen over the weekend, reaching 70 to 80 kilometers per hour with gusts up to 90 kilometers per hour between Saturday morning and Sunday morning. While conditions are anticipated to ease slightly by December 1, the sea remains rough, with waves likely to be very rough to high until Sunday.

Flight Disruptions and Travel Advisory

In anticipation of the cyclone, Chennai Airport has canceled 54 scheduled flights, as reported by news agency PTI. The IMD’s forecast of extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds over the next two days prompted the airport authorities to suspend several services to ensure passenger safety. The disruptions have left nearly 300 passengers stranded at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport for the past three days. Among them, approximately 150 are Tamilians who were traveling from Dubai to India via Sri Lanka.

Authorities have advised residents across Tamil Nadu to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Fishermen along the coast have been strongly warned not to venture into the sea due to rough waves and high winds. The administration is closely monitoring weather updates in collaboration with the India Meteorological Department, National Disaster Management Authority, and other relevant agencies to ensure a coordinated response.

School and College Closures

In view of the expected severe weather, schools and colleges in several districts of Tamil Nadu will remain closed on Saturday. Schools are reported to be shut in Perambalur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore, Kallakurichi, Pudukottai, Puducherry, and Karaikal. In Villupuram, Thanjavur, and Tiruchi, only schools will remain closed, while colleges are expected to function unless further orders are issued. Pondicherry Central University has postponed all examinations scheduled for Saturday and declared a holiday for classes after receiving a warning from the Coast Guard. Chennai and neighboring districts remain under alerts for strong winds and intense rainfall.

Government Preparations and Relief Measures

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has been actively monitoring the situation and has held discussions with Collectors from 14 districts to review safety arrangements. Authorities have been directed to implement measures to protect lives and property, including evacuation of vulnerable areas if necessary. Tourists have been advised to avoid visiting Dhanushkodi, near Pamban Island, a region that suffered severe devastation during the 1964 Rameswaram cyclone and remains highly susceptible to damage during severe weather events.

In addition to domestic safety measures, India has extended humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu. An Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft carrying nearly 12 tonnes of relief supplies, including food, tents, tarpaulins, blankets, and hygiene kits, arrived in Colombo on Saturday. The Indian High Commission in Colombo has reaffirmed its commitment to continue providing urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. The operation is designed to support the relief and recovery efforts for those affected by Cyclone Ditwah, particularly in flood-impacted areas.

The NDRF has mobilized 14 teams in vulnerable coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, including Villupuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, and Mayiladuthurai. Additional teams have been dispatched from Pune and Vadodara to Chennai to ensure readiness for immediate response. These teams are equipped with inflatable boats, hydraulic cutting and breaching tools, communication equipment, first-aid kits, and other essential stores for rescue operations.

The Tamil Nadu government has also instructed the Public Department Secretary to coordinate closely with the Indian Embassy in Colombo to assist Indian nationals stranded in Sri Lanka due to flight cancellations. This is part of a broader effort to ensure the safety of citizens and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Impact and Public Advisory

Authorities continue to monitor the cyclone’s trajectory and potential impact on urban and rural areas. District administrations have issued advisories urging the public to avoid travel to waterlogged areas, remain indoors, and exercise caution. Fishermen and coastal communities have been given strict instructions to refrain from venturing into the sea due to high winds and rough waves.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued warnings for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across multiple districts in Tamil Nadu. Residents in affected areas are advised to remain alert, follow instructions from local authorities, and take precautions to safeguard themselves and their families. Emergency response mechanisms have been activated at the district and state levels to provide timely assistance to those impacted by the cyclone.

Looking Ahead

As Cyclone Ditwah continues its course toward Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, authorities remain vigilant, coordinating efforts across multiple agencies to mitigate the impact of severe weather. The government is working to ensure the safety of citizens, minimize property damage, and provide immediate relief to those affected. Meanwhile, the international humanitarian response underscores India’s commitment to assisting neighboring countries, particularly Sri Lanka, in times of crisis.

With forecasts predicting intense rainfall, strong winds, and potential urban flooding, residents are urged to stay informed through official channels, adhere to safety advisories, and take necessary precautions. The combination of preemptive closures, flight cancellations, and coordinated disaster response efforts reflects the seriousness of the situation and the priority given to public safety.

Cyclone Ditwah is a reminder of the vulnerability of coastal and low-lying areas to severe weather events and highlights the need for preparedness, timely response, and effective communication between government authorities and citizens. As Tamil Nadu braces for the cyclone’s impact, authorities and residents alike remain on high alert, monitoring developments and implementing measures to ensure minimal disruption and maximum safety.