Ditwah Cyclone Tracker: Cyclone Ditwah is steadily moving parallel to the North Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coastline, unleashing heavy rainfall, travel disruptions and widespread emergency action across southern India. After causing severe destruction in Sri Lanka, the storm has intensified over the southwest Bay of Bengal.
Authorities have issued red and orange alerts across multiple districts in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh as the system inches closer, with forecasts indicating extremely heavy rain, rough sea conditions and strong winds through November 30 and early December.
Key Takeaways on Cyclone Ditwah Across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh
- Cyclone Ditwah continues to move nearly northwards, parallel to the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast, within 25–30 km of the shoreline.
- Red alerts issued in Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Chengalpattu and Puducherry; orange alerts in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and several Andhra districts.
- The storm caused devastation in Sri Lanka, leaving 153 dead and 191 missing due to landslides and floods.
- Flight operations hit severely: 47 Chennai flights cancelled initially; later over 50 cancelled across Tamil Nadu.
- IndiGo cancels all ATR flights, including routes to Madurai and Trichy; Chennai–Jaffna flights also cancelled.
- 6,000 relief camps and 28 NDRF–SDRF teams deployed in Tamil Nadu; 8 NDRF teams and 4 search dogs deployed in Puducherry.
- IMD warns of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu (Nov 28–30) and Andhra Pradesh (Nov 29–Dec 1).
- Wind speeds reaching 70–80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph, expected to weaken by December 1.
- Schools closed in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore and Villupuram on November 29.
- Fishermen strictly warned not to venture into the sea due to dangerous conditions.
Cyclone Ditwah’s Path and Current Position
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that Cyclone Ditwah formed over the Bay of Bengal near Pottuvil and began tracking northwards after exiting Sri Lanka. At different stages, IMD bulletins placed the system at:
- 12.3°N, 80.6°E, around 90 km SSE of Chennai and 90 km ESE of Puducherry
- 80 km east of Karaikal
- 100 km ENE of Vedaranniyam
- 160 km SSE of Puducherry
- 250 km south of Chennai
The storm advanced with varying speeds — 10 kmph, 7 kmph and 5 kmph, depending on the bulletin — but consistently moved toward the North Tamil Nadu region. IMD forecasts show the storm’s centre approaching within 50 km of the coastline by morning and 25–30 km by evening of November 30.
The system has already weakened into a deep depression and is likely to weaken further into a depression by December 1 noon.
Heavy Rain and Wind Warnings Across South India
Tamil Nadu on High Alert
IMD has confirmed heavy to extremely heavy rainfall for northern and delta districts:
- Extremely heavy rainfall (20 cm or more) forecast for Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur and Mayiladuthurai.
- Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur.
- Coastal districts including Thoothukudi and Ramanathapuram have already recorded severe waterlogging, strong winds and flooded roads.
Andhra Pradesh Brace for Intense Showers
Several Andhra districts, including:
- Nellore
- Kakinada
- Visakhapatnam
- Anakapalli
are under an orange alert until December 1, with the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall on November 30 and December 1.
Chennai Weather: Rains, Disruptions and Poor Air Quality
Chennai woke up to a cool, wet morning around 24°C, with humidity near 85% and winds peaking at 29 kmph. Rainfall is expected to continue for 48 hours.
Air quality dipped to AQI 156 (Unhealthy), attributed to high particulate levels. Meteorologists note that continuous rainfall may improve air quality to the Moderate or Satisfactory range by tomorrow.
Severe Flight and Transport Disruptions
Air travel has been hit hard:
- 47 Chennai flights cancelled on initial warning, including 36 domestic and 11 international.
- Later updates report over 50 cancellations across Tamil Nadu airports.
- IndiGo cancelled its entire ATR operations, affecting regional connectivity to Trichy, Madurai and other hubs.
- Two Chennai–Jaffna flights were cancelled on Sunday.
- Air India issued a caution to passengers regarding delays and cancellations.
Railway services have also been slowed due to rainwater accumulation and safety protocols.
Emergency Measures and Large-Scale Preparedness
Relief Camps and Rescue Teams
Tamil Nadu has activated:
- 6,000 relief camps
- 28 NDRF and SDRF teams positioned across the state
Meanwhile, Puducherry has received:
- Eight NDRF teams
- Four search and rescue dogs
Authorities are monitoring vulnerable areas closely, with pumps deployed to prevent urban flooding.
Public Advisories
Puducherry District Collector A. Kulothungan advised residents to avoid:
- Standing under trees
- Lamp posts
- Old and weakened buildings
Emergency response numbers include 1077, 1070, 112, and the Disaster Management WhatsApp line 9488981070.
Sri Lanka’s Crisis After Cyclone Ditwah
Before nearing India, Ditwah devastated Sri Lanka:
- 153 deaths reported by Reuters
- 191 people missing
- Landslides and floods damaged vast areas
India has dispatched food and essential relief materials under Operation Sagar Bandhu, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi offering condolences and reaffirming support under the Neighbourhood First and Vision MAHASAGAR policies.
Marine Warning: Fishermen Advised to Stay Ashore
IMD warned of very rough sea conditions along the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast, noting gale winds of 70–80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph, until November 30 morning. Fishermen are strongly advised not to venture into the sea until conditions improve on December 1 and 2.
Weather-Triggered Closures Across Districts
Schools in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore and Villupuram remained closed on November 29. Further closures will depend on rainfall intensity.
In Puducherry, authorities ordered all liquor shops to close by 8 pm on Saturday as a preparatory measure.
Why the Name ‘Ditwah’?
The name Ditwah means “lagoon.”
It was suggested by Yemen, inspired by the Detwah Lagoon located on the northwest coast of Socotra.
Spiritual Insight: Guidance from Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj’s Unique Knowledge During Difficult Times
In moments of natural calamity like Cyclone Ditwah, people often seek deeper understanding and inner stability. Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj’s spiritual teachings emphasise remaining calm, remembering the Supreme God, and relying on true devotion during challenging times. His knowledge highlights that while physical preparedness is essential, spiritual awareness helps individuals face uncertainty without fear.
Followers believe that practising correct worship and understanding the soul’s real purpose brings lasting peace, even amid unpredictable natural events. This perspective encourages people to stay strong, compassionate and united while supporting those affected by disasters.
Cyclone Ditwah: What Lies Ahead for South India
As Cyclone Ditwah continues its parallel track along the coastline, authorities urge residents in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh to follow official advisories, avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors where possible.
With forecasts predicting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, strong winds and rough seas through November 30, emergency teams remain on high alert to handle potential flooding, power outages and transport disruptions across the region.
FAQs on Ditwah Cyclone Tracker
1. What is the current position of Cyclone Ditwah?
Cyclone Ditwah is moving parallel to the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast, staying within 25–30 km of the shoreline while gradually weakening into a deep depression.
2. Which states are under red and orange alerts due to Cyclone Ditwah?
Red alerts cover Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Chengalpattu and Puducherry, while Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and several Andhra districts remain under orange alerts.
3. How has Cyclone Ditwah impacted flight operations in Tamil Nadu?
Over 50 flights, including 47 from Chennai initially, were cancelled. IndiGo suspended all ATR flights, and Chennai–Jaffna services were halted.
4. What emergency measures have authorities taken for Cyclone Ditwah?
Tamil Nadu set up 6,000 relief camps and deployed 28 NDRF–SDRF teams. Puducherry received eight NDRF teams with search dogs and activated emergency helplines.
5. What is the rainfall forecast for Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh?
IMD predicts heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu from November 28–30 and in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema from November 29–December 1.
