Chennai, November 30, 2025 – Heavy rainfall and gusty winds lashed parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Sunday as Cyclone Ditwah approached the region from the southwest Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for the north Tamil Nadu coast, Puducherry, and adjacent south Andhra Pradesh areas, urging residents and authorities to remain vigilant.

Despite the warnings, the latest updates from the IMD suggest that the cyclonic storm is unlikely to make landfall along the coast, offering a degree of relief to the coastal population. However, significant rainfall and strong winds are expected to continue over the next 24 hours.

Current Situation and Weather Alerts

Cyclone Ditwah, currently situated over the southwest Bay of Bengal, has been moving northwards parallel to the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline. According to the IMD, the system will remain over open waters, maintaining a minimum distance of about 70 km from the coast by noon and roughly 30 km in the evening of November 30.

While it is not anticipated to make direct landfall, strong surface winds of 60 to 70 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 80 kmph, are expected over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The sea conditions are forecasted to remain high initially and may gradually ease to rough or very rough by the morning of December 1, improving further in subsequent days.

Weather experts and bloggers monitoring the storm have noted that Cyclone Ditwah is likely to weaken into a deep depression as it continues its northward trajectory. Over time, it is expected to reduce further into a depression, remaining offshore and potentially dissipating without making a direct landfall along the Chennai or north Tamil Nadu coasts.

Areas Affected by Heavy Rain

Even without a landfall, Ditwah has already caused disruption to normal life in coastal towns such as Rameswaramand Nagapattinam, with several low-lying areas inundated by rainfall. The Cauvery delta region, Ramanathapuram, and Nagapattinam were among the worst affected, with waterlogging reported across residential and agricultural areas.

Over the next 24 hours, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in several districts, including Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Chengalpattu, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet, as well as Puducherry and Karaikal. Certain pockets may even experience extremely heavy rain, raising concerns about localized flooding.

Preparations and Response Measures

In anticipation of Ditwah’s impact, the Tamil Nadu government, led by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister KKSSR Ramachandran, has activated 28 disaster response teams, including units from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). An additional 10 teams from other states are expected to reinforce the local response.

Authorities have been coordinating with district administrations to monitor vulnerable areas, particularly low-lying regions prone to flooding, and to ensure that evacuation plans and relief measures are in place if needed. Disaster response teams have also been instructed to be on standby to assist residents and respond to emergencies caused by heavy rainfall, waterlogging, and gusty winds.

Residents in affected coastal districts are being advised to avoid venturing into the sea and to stay indoors during peak rainfall periods. Fishermen have been specifically warned to stay away from the waters due to strong winds and rough sea conditions.

Public Disruption

The storm has already disrupted normal life in several towns, with waterlogging in low-lying areas affecting road transportation and day-to-day activities. Schools and offices in heavily affected districts may consider temporary closures depending on weather severity. Authorities are also monitoring agricultural lands, particularly in the delta districts, for waterlogging and crop damage.

Cyclone Name and History

Cyclone Ditwah, named by Yemen, refers to a lagoon and is believed to originate from the Detwah Lagoon, a large saline water body located on the northwest coast of Socotra. The naming follows the convention of giving cyclones in the region names suggested by member countries of the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) Panel on Tropical Cyclones for the North Indian Ocean.

Forecast and Advisory

The IMD has issued advisories for continued vigilance, noting that while Ditwah is likely to remain offshore, its effects in the form of heavy rain, strong winds, and high seas will persist along the coastal districts. Authorities are monitoring the system closely and will provide timely updates regarding any change in the cyclone’s trajectory or intensity.

Residents are urged to follow official advisories, avoid unnecessary travel in affected regions, and report any emergencies to local disaster management authorities. The IMD has emphasized that flooding and waterlogging remain key risks, particularly in urban and delta regions where drainage systems can become overwhelmed.

Impact on Coastal Districts

The cyclone has affected a large swath of north and central Tamil Nadu, including areas along the Puducherry coast, causing temporary displacement and disruption of daily activities. Low-lying villages and delta regions remain particularly vulnerable due to heavy rainfall accumulation, and authorities are actively monitoring river levels and reservoirs to prevent overflow.

Power outages and uprooted trees have also been reported in some districts, necessitating rapid response from local authorities. Additionally, transportation along coastal highways has been impacted, and citizens are advised to exercise caution while traveling.

Moving Forward

While the avoidance of landfall brings some relief, the heavy rainfall and strong winds associated with Cyclone Ditwah are likely to persist until the storm weakens into a depression over the Bay of Bengal. Residents of affected districts are advised to stay indoors, avoid travel in flooded areas, and follow official advisories.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are prepared to deploy additional resources if required. The coordination between the State Disaster Response Force, National Disaster Response Force, local administration, and district authorities will play a critical role in mitigating the cyclone’s impact.

Conclusion

Cyclone Ditwah serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to cyclonic disturbances during the pre-monsoon season. While the storm is likely to remain offshore, its effects in terms of rainfall, wind, and sea conditions will continue to challenge local administrations and residents over the next 24 hours.

Preparedness measures, continuous monitoring, and adherence to official advisories will be crucial in ensuring the safety of life and property. As the system gradually weakens, authorities are hopeful that the situation will stabilize by December 1, allowing residents to return to normalcy.