By: News Desk | Updated: November 29, 2025, 09:00 AM IST
Category: India Weather / Breaking News
Reading Time: 4 Minutes
Chennai/Amaravati: The southern peninsular coast of India is bracing for impact as Cyclonic Storm Ditwah intensifies in the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued Red and Orange alerts for several districts across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh, with landfall expected by the early morning of November 30, 2025.
Here is everything you need to know about the cyclone’s path, school closures, and the massive relief operations currently underway.
🌪️ Cyclone Ditwah: Top 5 Key Developments
- Landfall Prediction: The system is expected to cross the coast near North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and South Andhra Pradesh by the early morning of November 30.
- Red Alert Issued: The IMD has upgraded warnings to Red Alert for Tamil Nadu’s delta districts (Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Pudukkottai) and northern coastal districts for Nov 29-30.
- Sri Lanka Devastation: The storm has already wreaked havoc in Sri Lanka, leaving 56 dead and 23 missing due to landslides and floods.
- Operation Sagar Bandhu: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched this operation, deploying INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri to deliver relief to Sri Lanka.
- School Holidays: Schools and colleges in Puducherry, Karaikal, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, and several other districts have been declared closed for Nov 29.
🗺️ Live Tracker: Where is Cyclone Ditwah Now?
As of the latest bulletin, Cyclonic Storm Ditwah was centered over the Southwest Bay of Bengal, approximately:
- 440 km south-southeast of Puducherry.
- 540 km south of Chennai.
- 50 km south of Trincomalee (Sri Lanka).
Current Movement: The storm is moving north-northwestwards at a speed of 10 kmph. It is expected to skirt the Sri Lankan coast before curving toward the Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh coastline.
Warning for Fishermen: The IMD has strictly advised fishermen not to venture into the Southwest Bay of Bengal, Gulf of Mannar, and Comorin area until December 1.
🌧️ State-wise Impact & Warnings
1. Tamil Nadu & Puducherry (High Alert)
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has warned of extremely heavy rainfall (over 20 cm) in delta districts.
- Red Alert Districts: Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, and Pudukkottai.
- Orange Alert Districts: Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Ranipet are expecting heavy to very heavy rain (12–20 cm) on Nov 29-30.
- Preparedness: TN Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has directed district collectors to remain on high alert. 12 teams of NDRF and 16 teams of SDRF have been positioned in vulnerable areas.
2. Andhra Pradesh
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority has warned of heavy rains in Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema.
- Impact Dates: Rainfall intensity will increase over the next two days (Nov 29-30).
- Wind Warning: Squally winds of 35–45 kmph are expected initially, increasing as the storm approaches.
3. Bengaluru (Karnataka)
While not in the direct path, Bengaluru has been issued a Yellow Alert.
- Forecast: Heavy rain is forecast for Saturday, Nov 29.
- Flight Disruptions: Dense fog and weather conditions have already delayed at least 41 flights at Kempegowda International Airport.
🚢 India Launches ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’
In a display of solidarity with its maritime neighbor, India has rushed aid to crisis-hit Sri Lanka.
- The Mission: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced the commencement of Operation Sagar Bandhu.
- The Assets: The Indian Navy has deployed the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and the frigate INS Udaygiri to Colombo to hand over relief materials and assist in flood rescue operations using onboard helicopters.
- PM Modi’s Statement: “In solidarity with our closest maritime neighbour, India has urgently dispatched relief materials… We stand ready to provide more aid,” Prime Minister Modi stated on X.
🌍 Global Impact: Tragedy in Hong Kong
While eyes are on the cyclone, a separate tragedy has unfolded in Hong Kong. A deadly fire at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Tai Po has resulted in a massive loss of life.
- Death Toll: Reports indicate the toll has risen to 128.
- Investigation: The Hong Kong anti-corruption agency has arrested 8 individuals amid probes into building safety standards.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When will Cyclone Ditwah make landfall?
A: The cyclone is expected to reach the coast of North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh by the early morning of November 30, 2025.
Q: Are schools closed in Chennai tomorrow?
A: Holidays have been declared in several districts including Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, and Puducherry. Please check official district collectorate announcements for Chennai specifically.
Q: What does ‘Ditwah’ mean?
A: The name ‘Ditwah’ was suggested by Yemen. It refers to the Detwah Lagoon, a famous saline lagoon on the island of Socotra.
Stay tuned to Suchna Portal for real-time weather updates.
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