🌪️ Cyclone Ditwah Live Updates: Red Alert in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka Devastated
Cyclone Ditwah continues to intensify as it moves toward the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coastline, triggering widespread alerts, emergency preparations, and significant disruptions in the region. The cyclonic storm, which has already caused massive destruction in Sri Lanka, is now being closely monitored by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and disaster response agencies. From postponed university exams to international humanitarian efforts, the impact of Ditwah is growing by the hour. Here is a comprehensive, reader-friendly breakdown of the latest developments.
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Cyclone Ditwah Live Updates: Red Alert in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka Devastated |
Cyclone Ditwah brings heavy rain and red alerts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, while Sri Lanka faces major devastation. India sends humanitarian aid under Operation Sagar Bandhu.
🎓 Pondicherry Central University Postpones Exams, Declares Holiday
As the cyclone’s intensity increased, Pondicherry Central University announced the postponement of all examinations scheduled for Saturday. A holiday has been declared for all classes, according to a PTI report.
The university administration stated that the decision was made considering student safety and the likelihood of heavy rain and strong winds in the coastal region. Revised examination dates will be announced as soon as weather conditions stabilize. The announcement has offered temporary relief to thousands of students who were worried about navigating severe weather to attend exams.
This move also reflects the growing seriousness of Cyclone Ditwah’s impact across educational institutions, government operations, and transportation networks.
🔴 Red Alert Issued for Parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued a Red Alert for five key districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry due to the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall and severe weather conditions.
Districts Under Red Alert:
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Cuddalore
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Mayiladuthurai
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Villupuram
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Chengalpattu
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Puducherry
These coastal districts are expected to experience:
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Torrential rain
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Strong cyclonic winds
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High waves and rough sea conditions
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Possible waterlogging and urban flooding
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Power disruptions and tree uprooting
Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to relocate to safer locations or government-designated shelters. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been stationed across vulnerable zones, equipped with boats, rescue tools, and medical supplies.
Tamil Nadu’s coastal belt remains on high alert as the cyclone edges closer, and authorities have also issued advisories to fishermen, urging them not to venture into the sea under any circumstances.
India Extends Humanitarian Support to Sri Lanka Under Operation Sagar Bandhu
Cyclone Ditwah has already caused significant devastation in Sri Lanka, forcing India to expand its humanitarian outreach as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu. This operation is a part of India’s ongoing effort to assist its neighboring countries during natural disasters.
On Saturday, an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft landed in Colombo carrying nearly 12 tonnes of emergency relief material. The supplies included:
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Tents
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Tarpaulins
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Blankets
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Hygiene kits
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Ready-to-eat food packets
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Other essential relief items
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed the update on platform X, stating:
“Operation Sagar Bandhu unfolds. Indian Air Force C-130J plane carrying approx. 12 tons of humanitarian aid lands in Colombo.”
This is only the latest in a series of relief efforts by India, demonstrating its commitment to helping Sri Lanka recover from the cyclone’s devastating aftermath.
Sri Lanka Reports Over 80 Deaths; 30 Still Missing
The scale of destruction in Sri Lanka has been alarming. According to PTI, more than 80 people have died in floods and landslides triggered by Ditwah, while over 30 individuals remain missing.
Authorities in Sri Lanka have reported:
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Massive flooding across several districts
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Entire villages submerged
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Widespread landslides in hilly terrain
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Damage to roads, bridges, and power lines
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Displacement of thousands of families
Rescue operations are ongoing, but the severity of the damage has slowed recovery efforts. Many areas remain inaccessible, and emergency teams are trying to reach isolated communities.
India was among the first nations to respond, sending food supplies and essential materials even before the full scale of destruction was known. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged continued assistance to support Sri Lanka through rescue and relief operations.
🌀 Cyclone Ditwah’s Current Position and Forecast: IMD Update
According to the latest bulletin from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Ditwah is currently centered over the coastal parts of Sri Lanka and the adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal. As of now, the cyclone is located approximately 480 km south of Chennai.
Movement Direction:
The system is moving in a north-northwest direction, gradually approaching the Tamil Nadu coast.
Expected Landfall:
IMD predicts that Cyclone Ditwah is likely to cross the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast by early November 30.
As it approaches the coastline, it is expected to bring:
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Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall
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Gale-force winds
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Rough sea conditions
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Potential storm surge in some regions
Fishermen have been strictly advised to remain off the seas, and ports in Chennai and nearby coastal cities have been put on high alert. Coastal residents have been urged to stay indoors and follow instructions from local authorities.
🌧️ States on Alert: Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala & Telangana
While Tamil Nadu and Puducherry remain the most vulnerable, IMD has also alerted parts of Kerala and Telangana, forecasting heavy rainfall and strong winds as the cyclone moves inland.
Urban areas like Chennai, Puducherry, Villupuram, and Chengalpattu may experience:
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Flooding in low-lying neighborhoods
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Disruptions in road transport
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Temporary suspension of bus/train services
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Power outages
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School closures if conditions worsen
Authorities across these states have initiated preparations to minimize potential damage.
Cyclone Ditwah continues to intensify, prompting widespread precautions across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry while causing severe humanitarian crises in Sri Lanka. With universities postponing exams, red alerts issued in multiple districts, and India stepping up aid efforts, the region is bracing for significant weather impact. As the cyclone moves closer to making landfall, authorities urge the public to stay alert and follow official advisories.