Source India Today
As Cyclone Ditwah advances toward the coasts of southern India, heavy rainfall and strong winds have begun battering parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts across several coastal and inland districts, warning of potentially severe weather, urban flooding and travel disruption.
What’s happening: Rain, wind and warnings
Cyclone Ditwah, which earlier struck Sri Lanka with devastating impact, is now creeping northward over the southwest Bay of Bengal toward India’s southeastern coast.
In Tamil Nadu, districts like Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Pudukkottai are forecast to receive extremely heavy rainfall — with more than 20 cm possible in 24 hours over red-alert zones.
Coastal Andhra Pradesh and regions of Rayalaseema — including districts such as Nellore, Prakasam, Chittoor and Tirupati — also face heavy to very heavy rainfall over the coming days.
Gale-force winds are expected near the cyclone’s core, with speeds of 60–80 km/h and gusts up to 90 km/h; outer bands may bring winds of 35–45 km/h gusting to 55 km/h.
Authorities have urged residents — especially in low-lying, coastal and flood-prone areas — to stay indoors, avoid beaches, waterfronts and unstable structures, and follow official advisories.
Disruptions and preparedness underway
In Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, emergency response teams — including National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) — have been deployed. Shelters have been readied, and evacuations may follow in vulnerable zones if conditions worsen.
Transport networks have already taken a hit: flights have been cancelled, train services suspended in some sectors and schools temporarily shut to ensure public safety.
What’s next – landfall expected soon
The IMD projects that Cyclone Ditwah is likely to make landfall between the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast and southern Andhra Pradesh by early November 30, bringing the worst of wind and rain around that time.
Residents in threatened districts are being cautioned to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel. Fishermen in the Bay of Bengal have been instructed to stay out of deep seas for at least the next five days.
