Cyclone Ditwah LIVE 2025: Storm Nears Tamil Nadu — Flights Disrupted, Schools Shut
As of late November 2025, Cyclone Ditwah has emerged as a major weather emergency across southern India and Sri Lanka, prompting alerts, cancellations, and closure of institutions as coastal regions brace for impact.
📍 What is Cyclone Ditwah & Why It Matters
Cyclone Ditwah formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal on November 26.
The cyclone is tracked by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which has forecast that the storm will move north-northwest over coastal Sri Lanka — then approach the coasts of north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh by early November 30.
mint
According to official bulletins, heavy rainfall, strong winds (70–90 km/h), rough seas, and potential flooding are expected, especially in southern and delta districts.
🌧️ On-the-Ground Impact: Rain, Wind, Alerts
As of today, heavy rain bands from Ditwah have already reached southern Tamil Nadu — with delta regions experiencing persistent rainfall, and parts of Chennai seeing overcast skies and intermittent showers.
The Times of India
The IMD has issued “red alert” warnings (indicating extremely heavy rainfall) for several coastal/delta districts.
Authorities have activated disaster response teams across vulnerable zones, preparing relief centres and monitoring sea conditions.
Disrupted Travel: Flights Cancelled, Stranded Passengers
In anticipation of the storm, airports have canceled flights. In particular, 54 flights were canceled at Chennai Airport as of November 29, aiming to avoid risking aircraft and passenger safety.
Multiple regional short-haul flights (especially ATR-type) across Tamil Nadu have been grounded.
Reports indicate several hundred passengers — including many heading to or from Sri Lanka — are stranded at airports, awaiting rescheduling or clearance once conditions improve.
🏫 Schools & Institutions Closed, Communities on Alert
Schools and colleges in several districts — especially in coastal and delta zones — have been declared closed until further notice.
Local administrations have urged residents to stay indoors, avoid coastal and sea-facing areas, and refrain from unnecessary travel.
🇱🇰 Humanitarian Crisis in Sri Lanka: Spillover of Ditwah’s Fury
Before reaching India, Ditwah caused widespread devastation in Sri Lanka: torrential rains have triggered floods and landslides, overwhelming river basins and causing major disruption.
The death toll in Sri Lanka has climbed into triple digits (120+), with hundreds missing or displaced. Relief operations are underway, and many people have been moved to state-run welfare centres.
The cyclonic impact on Sri Lanka has underscored the transnational threat posed by Ditwah, prompting neighbouring countries — including India — to put humanitarian support plans in motion.
🛡️ What’s Being Done: Preparedness & Response
The IMD has issued advisories — red, orange, or yellow depending on district vulnerability — for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh.
State disaster response forces, along with local authorities, have mobilised rescue teams, established control rooms, and prepared relief shelters in low-lying zones and coastal communities.
Flight and travel disruptions have been ordered proactively, and the public has been urged to avoid non-essential travel until the cyclone passes.
In Sri Lanka, international assistance — including from India under initiatives such as Operation Sagar Bandhu — is being coordinated to aid relief efforts for affected people.
⚠️ What Lies Ahead: Key Risks & What to Watch For
The landfall — expected early November 30 — remains critical: heavy rainfall, surging tides, strong winds, coastal flooding and potential storm surges pose serious threats along the coast.
Delta and low-lying districts are particularly vulnerable to flash floods, waterlogging, and damage to infrastructure.
mint
Post-storm, disruptions could linger: power outages, waterlogging, road and rail blockages, and prolonged displacement of affected populations remain possible.
💬 Voices — Fear, Relief and Uncertainty
For many coastal communities, the arrival of Ditwah reopens painful memories of past storms. Fisherfolk have been urged to stay ashore, and residents of delta districts are bracing for what could be one of the harshest post-monsoon storms in years. Meanwhile, stranded passengers and travellers across southern India and Sri Lanka voice frustration at cancellations, delays, and lack of clarity over resumption of services. In response, authorities emphasise that safety must remain the top priority.
As Cyclone Ditwah advances toward landfall, all eyes are on official advisories from the IMD, state disaster management agencies, and local governments. For now, caution, preparedness, and solidarity remain crucial — especially in the face of a storm that has already left a trail of death and destruction across borders.
