Cyclone Ditwah puts three states on high alert, beach access prohibited in Puducherry, strong winds and rain in Chennai

New Delhi. Cyclone Ditwah, which formed in the Bay of Bengal, is rapidly moving northward and is approaching the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh. Amid heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas, authorities have issued a widespread alert. Red and orange alerts have been issued in Tamil Nadu, while heavy rain is lashing coastal areas.

Cyclone Ditwah is approaching the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh. A red alert has been issued for heavy rain. Rainfall has disrupted life in many coastal areas of Tamil Nadu. Earlier, Ditwah wreaked havoc on the east coast of Sri Lanka, killing over 150 people and causing widespread damage.

Currently, the storm remains at the intensity of a cyclonic storm, and there are no signs of it strengthening further. A red alert has been issued in four districts of Tamil Nadu and an orange alert in five districts. Heavy rain is lashing many areas due to the storm. According to the IMD, Ditwah will pass very close to the coast, crossing at a distance of 50 kilometers on Sunday morning and 25 kilometers by Sunday evening.

Latest update from Puducherry…
High tides are also being observed in Puducherry. Strong winds and rain are being recorded. The impact of Cyclone Ditwah is steadily increasing. Visuals have emerged from Gandhi Beach. Tourists in Puducherry are facing difficulties. One tourist said, “We came to visit Puducherry yesterday, but after receiving information about the cyclone, the authorities are not allowing us to go near the sea for our safety. We are following the rules and will return today.” Another tourist, Bunty Prasad, said, “We came yesterday.” The rains caused by the cyclone have made movement difficult. Puducherry is also experiencing strong winds and rough seas.

What’s the situation in Tamil Nadu…
The impact of Cyclone Ditwah is being felt severely. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, has experienced strong winds and rough seas. Similar scenes emerged from Marina Beach. According to the IMD, the storm is expected to make landfall today. As Cyclone Ditwah approaches, wind speeds and sea waves have increased in Chennai. Waves were seen rising steadily at Marina Beach. The cyclone has caused heavy waterlogging in Tuticorin. The area is receiving continuous heavy rainfall.

#OperationSagarBandhu | IAF Humanitarian Assistance

As part of India’s ongoing relief efforts in Sri Lanka, the Indian Air Force has positioned Mi-17 V5 helicopters in Colombo for swift HADR operations.

IAF transport aircraft are earmarked for large-scale evacuation of Indian… pic.twitter.com/eoSRn6O9pZ

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) November 30, 2025

Latest Situation on Ditwah…
The storm is moving towards Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and South Andhra Pradesh. Heavy rains triggered by the storm have disrupted normal life in several coastal areas of Tamil Nadu. A red alert for extremely heavy rainfall has been issued in several districts. Flight and train services have been disrupted in Chennai, and several NDRF and SDRF teams have been deployed in many parts of Tamil Nadu.

Help for Indians Stranded in Sri Lanka
A large number of Indian tourists are stranded at Colombo Airport. The Indian High Commission has provided food and other essential items, opened an emergency helpdesk, and released a registration link. Acting High Commissioner Dr. Satyanjal Pandey visited the airport to meet with passengers and assured them that India will bring all citizens home as soon as possible. Emergency number: +94 773727832 (also WhatsApp).