Cyclone Ditwah continued moving close to the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coastline on Sunday, triggering intense showers, strong winds and widespread disruption across several coastal districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for parts of Tamil Nadu, warning of isolated extremely heavy rainfall on November 30, with more heavy showers expected across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Rayalaseema and Telangana through December 1.
“Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is likely over Tamil Nadu & Coastal Andhra Pradesh today (30 Nov). Heavy to very heavy rainfall expected across Tamil Nadu, Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam, Rayalaseema, and Telangana on 30 Nov–1 Dec. Stay alert and stay safe,” the IMD said in an advisory shared on X.
The storm, positioned over the southwest Bay of Bengal, has been inching northward parallel to the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast. As per the latest IMD update, the system was located about 100 km east–southeast of Cuddalore, 110 km east–southeast of Puducherry and roughly 180 km south–southeast of Chennai on Sunday morning.
Authorities said Ditwah may weaken gradually while tracking close to the shoreline, but its associated cloud bands are already dumping torrential rain across coastal belts. Disaster response teams have been deployed in vulnerable districts, with state agencies monitoring reservoirs, drains and low-lying zones for flood risk.
Chennai airport saw significant flight disruptions as gusty winds and poor visibility forced cancellation of over 40 services, including domestic and international routes. Several coastal roads in Tamil Nadu reported waterlogging, and paddy fields in districts such as Thoothukudi and Mayiladuthurai were submerged, raising concern over crop loss.
Puducherry recorded rough sea conditions and high tides, leading authorities to issue strict warnings to fishermen. Tourism and beach activities remain suspended as a safety precaution.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for Chennai, where heavy rain is expected to persist intermittently. Cuddalore, Villupuram, Nagapattinam, Chengalpattu, Mayiladuthurai, Puducherry and Karaikal are among the areas under the highest risk category for extreme rainfall events.
States further inland — Telangana, parts of Rayalaseema and interior Tamil Nadu — may also experience heavy showers and thunderstorms as the cyclone’s rain belts expand.
Officials have urged residents in affected districts not to venture near the shore, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow local advisories closely until conditions improve. Power and communication teams are on standby to restore essential services wherever needed.
Sri Lanka has reported severe devastation linked to the same storm system, with officials confirming that at least 193 lives have been lost as floods continue to swamp parts of Colombo and nearby regions. The country’s Disaster Management Centre said rescue teams are still searching for more than 220 missing individuals, and warned that the rains triggered by Cyclone Ditwah could intensify again over the next few days. Authorities remain on high alert as swollen rivers and inundated neighbourhoods pose ongoing danger to residents.
