Cyclone Ditwah nears Tamil Nadu coast, landfall likely by Nov 30 [Photo: PTI]
A powerful cyclone heading from the Bay of Bengal has triggered high-alert warnings across southern India. The storm, named Cyclone Ditwah, is expected to strike the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry–south Andhra Pradesh coast by early morning on November 30. The forecast of heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding has sparked widespread precautionary measures.
Cyclone Ditwah formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal near Sri Lanka and has steadily moved north-northwest toward India’s coast. Meteorologists say it could intensify slightly before landfall. Officials have warned that coastal and nearby inland areas must prepare for heavy rain, strong wind gusts, and possible flooding or waterlogging.
Authorities issued red alerts for several coastal and delta districts in Tamil Nadu, including Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Chengalpattu, and the entire Puducherry region — expecting “extremely heavy rainfall.”
Nearby regions may face orange or yellow alerts, indicating heavy to very heavy rain over the next 24–48 hours.
The weather department has confirmed that Cyclone Ditwah will make landfall along the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry–south Andhra Pradesh coast on November 30. The system will move closer to the shoreline overnight and is likely to cross the coast early in the morning with strong winds and intense rainfall.
Weather officials expect the storm to bring widespread downpours, squally winds, and potential flooding in low-lying and urban areas. As the system enters the Bay of Bengal, it may intensify before landfall, increasing risks for coastal zones and nearby inland districts.
The approaching storm may also cause damage to thatched structures, roadside hoardings, and weak trees along the impact areas. Along the coast, wind speeds may reach 70–80 km/h, gusting to 90 km/h, especially during the landfall window. Fishermen have been strongly advised to avoid the sea, and disaster-response teams in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have been put on high alert.
Officials warn of intense rainfall, gusty winds, sea surges and rough seas along the coast. The storm could also cause:
Pre-emptive measures have been taken across multiple sectors. Many flights and short-haul regional flights may be cancelled or delayed. Train services in the affected southern districts are likely to face disruptions or cancellations.
Several schools and colleges in coastal and delta districts have already announced holidays or suspended classes.
State governments in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry have deployed disaster-response teams across vulnerable districts. Shelters and evacuation plans are ready for delta zones, flood-prone areas, and low-lying coastal belts.
Communities near coastlines and rivers are being urged to evacuate if water levels rise. Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea until further notice.
Cyclone Ditwah is more than a storm — it is a test for disaster readiness and climate resilience in the region. With rapid weather changes becoming more common, local authorities and communities must upgrade infrastructure, drainage, early-warning systems, and disaster response protocols.
The quick action this time — issuing alerts, cancelling flights, mobilising rescue teams — may help prevent a repeat of recent flood disasters. But whether these measures will hold against the storm’s full force remains to be seen.
