Cyclonic Storm Ditwah, having already wreaked catastrophic havoc in Sri Lanka with a confirmed death toll exceeding 150, has intensified and is now nearing the coasts of North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The system has unleashed torrential rainfall across several districts, leading to widespread flooding, crop damage, and significant disruption to air and rail travel.
Current Status and IMD Warning
As of early Sunday, November 30, 2025, Cyclone Ditwah was centered over the southwest Bay of Bengal, lying approximately 160 km south-southeast of Puducherry and 260 km south of Chennai. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts the cyclone will continue to move northwards, passing very close (within 25 km) of the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline by Sunday evening.
While the system may weaken into a deep depression as it skirts the coast, the threat of intense rain and strong winds remains high.
- Red Alerts have been issued for districts like Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, and Chengalpattu, warning of extremely heavy rainfall (over 20 cm in 24 hours).
- Orange Alerts are in place for Chennai and surrounding districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rain.
- Wind Warning: Coastal areas are expected to face strong surface winds, gusting up to 90 kmph in delta regions and up to 80 kmph in northern coastal districts.
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu | A red alert has been issued by the Indian Meteorological Department for Cuddalore due to Cyclone Ditwah. pic.twitter.com/SbM466G5CI
— ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2025
Flight and Train Services Severely Disrupted
Precautionary measures taken by transport authorities have led to mass cancellations and rescheduling, impacting travel across the state.
- Air Travel: The Chennai International Airport announced the cancellation of at least 54 scheduled flights (including domestic and international services) on Saturday and Sunday. The decision was primarily aimed at safeguarding passengers and aircraft, especially smaller ATR-type turboprop flights which are vulnerable in high winds. Affected routes include services to Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Thoothukudi, and Jaffna.
- Rail Travel: The Southern Railway has announced the cancellation, partial cancellation, and short-termination of multiple trains scheduled for November 29 and 30, particularly those connecting the southern and delta districts, due to waterlogging and safety concerns.
- Roads: Numerous residential areas and main roads, particularly in coastal districts like Ramanathapuram (Rameswaram), Thoothukkudi, and Nagapattinam, are severely inundated, making local travel dangerous and restricted.
Widespread Damage and Preparedness
The outer bands of the cyclone have already caused significant destruction:
- Flooding: Torrential downpour since Friday has led to severe waterlogging, submerging vast tracts of standing paddy crops (estimated 22,000 hectares affected in Nagapattinam alone) and inundating residential colonies and salt pans in delta regions.
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#WATCH | Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu: Heavy rain lashes parts of Vedaranyam as cyclone Ditwah moves closer. pic.twitter.com/tIQpBCoPqb
— ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2025 - Disaster Response: The Tamil Nadu government has deployed NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) and SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) teams across vulnerable districts. Relief camps have been established, and officials are monitoring water levels at major reservoirs like Chembarambakkam.
- Schools and Colleges remain closed in numerous districts as a precautionary measure.
