Cyclone Ditwah weakens to deep depression, approaches Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast

Heavy rain lashes Andhra Pradesh's Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore as cyclone Ditwah advances closer. 

Cyclone Ditwah continued to affect Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh on Sunday, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall to many areas. Authorities issued severe weather warnings as the storm moved along the northern Tamil Nadu coast. Several districts, especially in the Cauvery delta region, faced waterlogging and disruption to daily life. The state government has set up 38 relief camps to help affected residents.

Cyclone Ditwah has continued to cause strong rainfall across many parts of Tamil Nadu. According to the state government, three people have died in incidents linked to the ongoing rains. Authorities are monitoring the situation as sharp showers persist in several districts.

Continuous heavy rainfall over the past few days has caused the Manangkondan River in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu, to overflow. The rising water has cut off the road to Karuppapulam village, leaving residents with limited access. More than 100 acres of paddy fields in the area are now fully submerged, leading to major damage to local agriculture.

The IAF has deployed another C-130J transport aircraft as part of India's humanitarian assistance extended to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu, and positioned Mi-17 V5 helicopters in Colombo for swift relief operations, officials said on Sunday. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has stepped up its efforts to assist the island nation in its hour of crisis in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah that has left a trail of destruction. The aircraft, carrying equipment meant for a National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) team deployed as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, landed in Colombo on Sunday, a senior official said. This transport aircraft will now be used to bring back Indian citizens, who have got stranded in that country, the official said. The IAF also shared an update related to the ongoing operation on its X handle on Sunday. "#OperationSagarBandhu | IAF Humanitarian Assistance As part of India’s ongoing relief efforts in Sri Lanka, the Indian Air Force has positioned Mi-17 V5 helicopters in Colombo for swift HADR operations," it said.

An NDRF team has been deployed in Nellore in view of Cyclone Ditwah.  Assistant Commander, NDRF, Pavan said, "An NDRF team from the NDRF 10th battalion has been stationed in Nellore as a precautionary measure of Cyclone Ditwah, which started from the Bay of Bengal. This team has 30 rescuers in total... Our team is in continuous contact with the district and state administrations... There has been no loss of any kind because of this cyclone yet..."

Tamil Nadu Minister KKSSR Ramachandran said on Sunday said that as many as 149 cattle died and 57,000 hectares of farmland have been affected in the delta districts. Giving a break up of the impact caused to agricultural lands in delta districts, the minister said 24,000 hectares of land were affected in Nagapattinam, 15,000 hectares in Thiruvarur and 8,000 hectares in Mayiladuthurai. "In total, 57,000 hectares of agriculture lands have been submerged due to heavy rainfall," he said.

Responding to a query, he said, nearly 234 huts have been damaged in the delta districts. Ramachandran said 28 disaster response teams, including SDRF and NDRF, have been kept ready, and an additional 10 more teams have come to Tamil Nadu from other states.

NDRF Teams officials speak on precautionary measures taken on Cyclone Ditwah. NDRF Official J Ramraj said, "We arrived here last night itself and are fully prepared to face the fury of the impending cyclone. For safety and effective response, our teams have been divided into five separate units and deployed in different affected areas."

Cyclonic Storm Ditwah [Pronunciation: Ditwah] over southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining North Tamil Nadu- Puducherry coasts: Cyclone Warning for north Tamil Nadu & Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts (Red Message)
 
The Cyclonic Storm Ditwah [Pronunciation: Ditwah] over southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts moved nearly northwards with the speed of 12 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centered at 0830 hrs IST of today, the 30th November 2025 over the same region, near latitude 11.4°N and longitude 80.6°E, , about 100 km east-southeast of Cuddalore (India), 100 km east-northeast of Karaikal (India), 110 km southeast of Puducherry (India), 140 km northeast of Vedaranniyam (India) and 180 km south-southeast of Chennai (India). 

The minimum distance of the centre of the cyclone from north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts is about 70km.

It is very likely to move nearly northwards parallel to North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts during next 24 hours. While moving northwards the cyclonic storm will be centered over southwest Bay of Bengal within a minimum distance of 60 km and 30 km from the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline by afternoon and evening of today, the 30th November respectively.

Speaking about precautionary measures taken on Cyclone Ditwah, NDRF Deputy Commandant Kapil K said, "Our teams are equipped to deal with a flood-like situation in Chennai. To tackle a flood-like situation, we have inflatable rubber boats, we have life jackets, and our men are trained in giving medical first response. We are also trained in rope rescue items."

Boats docked as fishermen have been advised by IMD not to venture into the sea due to high waves and turbulent conditions in the wake of Cyclone Ditwa. As per IMD, the Cyclonic Storm #Ditwah is very likely to move nearly northwards parallel to the North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts during the next 24 hours. While moving northwards, the cyclonic storm will be centred over the southwest Bay of Bengal within a minimum distance of 70 km and 30 km from the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline by noon and evening of today, the 30th November.

Tamil Nadu Minister KK SSR Ramachandran on Cyclone Ditwah said, "Three people have died in rain-related incidents across Tamil Nadu."

Under India's "Operation Sagar Bandhu", NDRF's rescue and relief operations have resumed this morning in cyclone-hit Kochikade following Cyclone Ditwah. 

On Cyclone 'Ditwah,' IMD Senior Scientist Ananda Kumar Das said, "...Today and tomorrow, it will be impacting the north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh. This wind, currently at 70-80 kmph and gusting to 90 kmph, will gradually slow to 60-70 kmph. By evening, it will become squally with winds of 50 to 60 kmph. Thereafter, mainly extremely heavy rainfall will occur over the northern Tamil Nadu coastal air belt, and heavy to very heavy rainfall in the south coastal area... There is no sign of relief today, as it moves north along the coast, and by evening, it will be near Chennai in the sea. Rain will continue throughout the day today, and it will occur tomorrow in the south coastal areas... Some districts of Telangana may also receive heavy rainfall..."

Private weather bloggers said the cyclone would weaken into a deep depression while Mayiladuthurai recorded the heavy rainfall of 140-220 mm in the last 24 hours. "The cyclone will weaken further into a deep depression and then to a depression inching northward. It is expected that the system to stay in the open water for one more day, dissipating in the Chennai coast without making the landfall process," another private blogger said.

The name 'Ditwah' suggested by Yemen, refers to a lagoon and likely comes from Detwah Lagoon, a large saline lagoon on Socotra's northwest coast.

The Tamil Nadu government has kept 28 disaster response teams, including SDRF and NDRF on standby and 10 more teams are expected to join from other states, State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister K K S S R Ramachandran had said. "There have been no fatalities so far, but 16 livestock have died, and 24 huts have been damaged. "There has been no major impact due to the rain so far. However, the state government is continuously monitoring the situation and has readied teams for rescue and relief operations," he said on Saturday.

Due to the impact of cyclone, heavy to very heavy rain at a few places and extremely heavy rainfall are likely to occur over Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Chengalpattu, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Ranipet districts and Puducherry and Karaikal over the next 24 hours. Strong surface winds with speed reaching 60-70 km ph gusting to 80 km ph is likely to prevail over the North Coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Sea condition is likely to be high and it is very likely to improve gradually becoming very rough to rough by morning of December 1 and gradually improve thereafter, the bulletin said. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea, it said.

As per the latest bulletin by the Regional Meteorological Department issued on Sunday, the cyclone moved nearly northwards with a speed of 5 kmph and it is located about 80 km east of Karaikal, 100 km northeast of Vedaraniyam, 160 km southeast of Puducherry and 250 km south of Chennai.

"It is very likely to move nearly northwards parallel to North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts during the next 24 hours. While moving northwards the cyclonic storm will be centered over southwest Bay of Bengal within a minimum distance of 50 km and 25 km from the Tamil-Nadu-Puducherry coastline by November 30," the bulletin said.

Rains triggered by Cyclone Ditwah continued in several parts of Tamil Nadu as it is expected to move parallel to the coastline of northern parts of the state and neighbouring Puducherry in the next 24 hours, the weather office said on Sunday. With heavy rainfall pounding Cauvery delta districts in the state, Ramanathapuram and Nagapattinam districts bore the brunt. Normal life continued to be affected in the coastal towns of Rameswaram and Nagapattinam as heavy rainfall inundated several low lying areas.

The death toll from heavy floods and mudslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka rose to 132, with 176 people still missing, authorities said Saturday. Nearly 78,000 people have been displaced and are in temporary shelters, the South Asian country’s disaster management center said. The death toll is expected to rise. Social media posts on Saturday showed several areas affected by overnight mudslides that authorities have yet to reach. Sri Lanka has been battered by severe weather since last week. Conditions worsened Thursday, with heavy downpours that flooded homes, fields and roads and triggered landslides mainly in the tea-growing central hill country.

The district administration has been put on high alert in view of Cyclone Ditwah. Several areas received heavy rainfall. Heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas has led to a strong inflow of floodwater into the Somasila reservoir. As a result, the Penna River is flowing vigorously with the increased floodwater. As per IMD, the Cyclonic Storm Ditwah is very likely to move nearly northwards parallel to the North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts during the next 24 hours. While moving northwards, the cyclonic storm will be centred over the southwest Bay of Bengal within a minimum distance of 70 km and 30 km from the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline by noon and evening of today, the 30th November.

Rain lashes several parts of Nellore. As per IMD, the Cyclonic Storm #Ditwah is very likely to move nearly northwards parallel to the North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts during the next 24 hours. While moving northwards, the cyclonic storm will be centred over the southwest Bay of Bengal within a minimum distance of 70 km and 30 km from the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline by noon and evening of today.

The Chennai International Airport on Sunday announced that two IndiGo flights, 6E 1177, scheduled from MAA airport to Jaffna International Airport in Sri Lanka, as well as 6E 1178, from JAF to MAA on Sunday stands cancelled, owing to the impact of Cyclone Ditwah. "Passengers be informed that, as per the latest information from @IndiGo6E, 6E 1177 (MAA-JAF) and 6E 1178 (JAF-MAA) on 30.11.2025 have been cancelled," the airport wrote in a post over X.

Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw Sunday reviewed preparedness measures to ensure minimum disruption to rail services, and ensure safety for passengers along with coastal populations. He also reviewed measures with the General Manager and teams of the Southern Railway. He emphasised the establishment of dedicated helplines and passenger-assistance desks to support travellers facing uncertainties due to cancellations or re-routing. He also reaffirmed the commitment of Indian Railways to public safety, while instructing concerned officials to ensure activation of War Rooms at divisional, Zonal and Railway board level to monitor the situation and remain alert for any extreme situation. The Minister also asked railway officials to coordinate with civil administration authorities and proactively communicate with passengers until normalcy is restored.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) hoists Danger Signal Number 5 (D-V) in view of Cyclone Ditwah. Signal 5 means a cyclonic storm of slight or moderate intensity will cross the coast, keeping the port to its left. As per IMD, the Cyclonic Storm Ditwah is very likely to move nearly northwards parallel to the North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts during the next 24 hours. While moving northwards, the cyclonic storm will be centred over the southwest Bay of Bengal within a minimum distance of 70 km and 30 km from the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline by noon and evening of today, the 30th November.

IMD issues an orange alert for Chittoor, Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam and Bapatla districts amid Cyclone Ditwah.  

Rainwater has accumulated outside the sanctum of the Arulmigu Vedaranyeswara Swamy Temple following heavy rains over the past few days.

 Cyclone Ditwah brings massive sea breeze and rough seas to Marina Beach, with gusty winds sweeping the coast. Despite the conditions, large crowds gather to witness the dramatic waves.

The Indian Air Force has deployed two transport aircraft -- C-130 and IL-76 -- carrying paramilitary personnel and relief material as part of India's humanitarian assistance extended to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu. New Delhi launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to assist Sri Lanka in its hour of crisis in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah.

India on Saturday also sent a contingent of 80 NDRF rescuers and specialised search dogs to Sri Lanka for undertaking relief and rescue operations in the aftermath of unprecedented floods in the neighbouring country following Cyclone Ditwah, an official spokesperson said. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel have been divided into two teams. The teams, along with four rescue dogs, took off onboard an IL-76 IAF aircraft from the Hindon airbase near Delhi for Colombo around 4 am on Saturday, the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, offering all possible assistance from the state government to Indians stranded in Sri Lanka due to Cyclone Ditwah. Vijayan said that Cyclone Ditwah has caused massive chaos at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, Sri Lanka, leaving around 300 Indian passengers stranded, many of them residents of Kerala. He said that the Indian passengers have been stranded for the past three days and lack adequate food, water, and basic amenities. "We are concerned about the plight of the stranded people. The Kerala government is ready to provide all necessary assistance."

According to IMD's latest update on Cyclone Ditwah at 8:38 am on Sunday, the cyclonic storm continued to move nearly northwards with the speed of 07 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centered at over southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts. At 05:30 pm on November 30, it was centred near 11.1°N and 80.6°E, about 90 km from east-northeast of Karaikal, 170 km north-northeast of Jaffna, 220 km south-southeast of Chennai. It is very likely to move nearly northwards parallel to North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts during next 24 hours. While moving northwards the cyclonic storm will be centered over southwest Bay of Bengal within a minimum distance of 70 km and 30 km from the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline by noon and evening of today, respectively.