Cyclone Ditwah triggers rain alert in TN, Puducherry; flights cancelled, Railways on high alert
New Delhi: A red alert has been declared across northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as Cyclone Ditwah continues to move closer to the coastline, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday.
At 8:30 PM IST, the cyclonic system was positioned near latitude 10.5°N and longitude 80.6°E, around 110 km northeast of Jaffna (Sri Lanka), 80 km east of Vedaranniyam, 100 km east-southeast of Karaikal, 180 km south-southeast of Puducherry and nearly 280 km south of Chennai. IMD said Cyclone Ditwah will continue moving north-northwestwards and approach the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast in the early hours of November 30.
According to the IMD’s latest advisory, the cyclone is expected to come within 60 km by midnight, 50 km by early morning, and 25 km by tomorrow evening of the coastline. The agency has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Villuppuram, Chengalpattu, and Puducherry–Karaikal. Extremely heavy showers are likely in isolated pockets.
Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Thanjavur, and Tiruchirappalli districts are also expected to face heavy rainfall, while parts of Vellore, Dharmapuri, Dindigul, and Theni could witness moderate to heavy spells.
The IMD urged people to stay indoors, avoid beaches and coastal stretches, and follow the instructions of local authorities. Fishermen have been categorically warned against venturing into the sea.
India deploys helicopters for rescue missions
India launched rescue operations in Sri Lanka, where severe weather conditions have caused damage. The Indian Embassy said Chetak helicopters had been deployed to assist affected communities.
“Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant carried out search and rescue sorties in Sri Lanka today, supporting people affected by Cyclone Ditwah. India stands firmly with Sri Lanka in this difficult time, working together to save lives and extend timely relief,” the Embassy said.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed the action, saying two Chetak helicopters had been pressed into service. “Operation Sagar Bandhu: Two Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant took off for Search and Rescue Operations with Sri Lankan personnel onboard,” he posted on X.
Flight services hit
Operations at Chennai International Airport were hit on Sunday, with 54 flights cancelled as Cyclone Ditwah neared the coast. In its latest update, Chennai Airport authorities informed that IndiGo flights 6E 1177 (MAA–JAF) and 6E 1178 (JAF–MAA) scheduled for November 30, 2025, have been cancelled.
Railways on high alert
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw conducted a comprehensive review with the Southern Railway General Manager and core teams. The discussions focused on ensuring minimal disruptions to train operations and guaranteeing safety for passengers and coastal communities.
The minister stressed the need for setting up dedicated helplines and passenger assistance desks to aid travellers facing delays, route diversions, or cancellations due to Cyclone Ditwah’s impact on Tamil Nadu.
Vaishnaw reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining passenger safety. He instructed officials to activate War Rooms at the divisional, zonal, and Railway Board levels to monitor dynamic weather conditions.
He also directed railway authorities to coordinate closely with civil administration and maintain proactive communication with passengers “until normalcy is restored.”