Cyclone Ditwah: India braces with shelters, flight cancellations, and school closures
Cyclone Ditwah triggers chaos across South India
Cyclone Ditwah has put Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh on high alert. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that the storm, moving north-northwest over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to reach close to the North Tamil Nadu–Puducherry–South Andhra Pradesh coast by November 30.
The cyclone has already left a trail of destruction in Sri Lanka, killing over 150 people and leaving thousands homeless. Now, India braces for its impact with flights canceled, schools shut, and shelters prepared.
Ditwah impact IMD warning: Heavy rainfall, strong winds, urban flooding
According to IMD’s latest bulletin, Cyclone Ditwah is moving at nearly 10 kmph and is centered close to Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu coasts. The storm is expected to pass dangerously close to Chennai and Puducherry, with minimum distances narrowing to 25 km by Sunday evening.
- Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall forecast across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh
- Strong winds up to 70 kmph predicted along coastal belts
- Urban flooding risk in Chennai, Tirupati, Nellore, and delta districts
Residents have been urged to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Ditwah impact in Tamil Nadu: Shelters, canceled flights, and school closures
Tamil Nadu has rolled out massive precautionary measures.
- 6,000 relief camps set up across districts
- NDRF & SDRF teams deployed in Chennai, Villupuram, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, and more
- Air Force & Coast Guard on standby for rescue operations
In Cuddalore district, food and shelter arrangements have been made for over one lakh people. Vulnerable areas have been mapped, and medical teams are monitoring pregnant women and elderly residents.
Meanwhile, flight operations have been severely disrupted:
- Chennai Airport canceled 7 flights on Sunday
- Madurai, Trichy, and Thoothukudi airports suspended small aircraft services
- Passengers advised to check flight status before traveling
Schools and colleges across Trichy, Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukkottai, and Villupuram have been ordered shut. Even Bharathidasan University postponed examinations.
Farmers in the Cauvery delta are facing crop damage, with nearly one lakh acres of paddy submerged. The state government has promised compensation after assessment.
Ditwah impact on Andhra Pradesh braces for impact
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has warned of heavy rainfall and squally winds across coastal districts.
- Tirupati, Chittoor, Nellore, Prakasam, Kadapa, and Annamayya districts expected to see intense rain
- Thunderstorms with lightning forecast from November 30 to December 3
- Fishermen advised to stay ashore due to rough seas and high tides
Officials have cautioned that strong winds could uproot trees, damage weak structures, and harm standing crops.
Railways and transport on alert
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed Southern Railway’s preparedness. War rooms have been activated at zonal and divisional levels, ensuring quick response to disruptions.
Train services to Rameswaram via Pamban Bridge were temporarily halted but are expected to resume once wind velocity stabilizes.
Ditwah impact – Sri Lanka devastation: India steps in with aid
Cyclone Ditwah has already wreaked havoc in Sri Lanka, killing 153 people, leaving 130 missing, and destroying nearly 15,000 homes.
India has launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, sending:
- C-130 and IL-76 aircraft with relief supplies
- A naval ship carrying rations and medical aid
- Additional rescue personnel to assist local authorities
Sri Lanka remains under a state of emergency, with tens of thousands in shelters.
What’s next?
The IMD has warned that Cyclone Ditwah may continue to bring heavy rains and strong winds until early December. Both Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are expected to face flooding, transport disruptions, and crop damage.
Authorities urge residents to:
- Stay indoors during peak rainfall
- Avoid coastal travel and fishing
- Follow official advisories for safety
External Links (CTA)
- India Meteorological Department (IMD)
- Wikipedia: Tropical Cyclones in India
- NDMA Guidelines on Cyclones
- Reddit: India Weather Discussions
- Quora: Cyclone Preparedness in India
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