A red alert has been issued in parts of Tamil Nadu as Cyclone Ditwah moves slowly toward the state, bringing the likelihood of intense rain, strong winds and flooding in vulnerable coastal regions. Neighboring areas, including Puducherry, Kerala and Telangana, have also been advised to stay prepared for severe weather conditions.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone is currently positioned to the northeast of Sri Lanka over the southwest Bay of Bengal and is gathering more strength as it tracks in a north-northwest direction. The storm is projected to approach the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry–south Andhra Pradesh coastline by the early hours of November 30.
Heavy rainfall bands are expected to sweep across parts of Tamil Nadu well before the system reaches land, increasing risks of waterlogging, disruption to daily activities and damage to infrastructure. Fisherfolk have been firmly instructed to avoid venturing into the sea due to rough conditions and high waves.
Authorities across the region have deployed disaster response teams and kept emergency services on alert to deal with incidents such as tree fall, power outages or blocked roads. People in coastal and low-lying areas have been requested to follow official advisories closely and move to safer locations if necessary.
Officials say they are monitoring the cyclone’s movement around the clock and will issue further warnings as the system evolves, urging the public not to panic but to remain cautious.
