As of November 30, 2025, Cyclone Ditwah continues to menace the southeastern coast of India, prompting a red alert in several districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The cyclone — which earlier wreaked havoc across Sri Lanka — is now moving nearly northwards over the southwest Bay of Bengal, roughly 80 kilometres off the Tamil Nadu coast, and is forecast to pass within 25–50 km of the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry shoreline by evening.

Severe Rain and Flood-Risk in Coastal Districts

Under the influence of Ditwah, coastal and deltaic districts of Tamil Nadu such as Chennai, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Villupuram, Mayiladuthurai, Chengalpattu and Puducherry — earlier under orange alert — have had their alert levels escalated to red. Over the past 24–48 hours, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall has been recorded across several delta districts, triggering fears of urban flooding, inundation of low-lying areas and significant waterlogging.

In one of the worst-hit districts, Nagapattinam, rainfall amounts reached 25–30 cm over two days, with localized pockets like Kodiyakarai seeing more than 25 cm in a single spell. As a precautionary measure, authorities have evacuated residents from vulnerable zones — offering shelter, food and emergency relief. However, relocation met resistance in parts of tsunami-rescue housing due to concerns about privacy and substandard living conditions.

Meanwhile, forced sea surge warnings and very rough sea-state conditions have made coastal waters hazardous. Multiple mechanised fishing boats were reportedly damaged due to rough sea near Mandapam, and authorities have strongly advised against venturing into the sea until further notice.

Disruptions to Transport, Flights, Schools

As the cyclone intensifies, normal life along the coast has been heavily disrupted. Chennai International Airport has cancelled dozens of flights on Sunday — including both domestic and international services — leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. Railway and transport authorities have activated emergency helplines, scrambled rescue and relief teams, and deployed extra resources to minimize risk to travellers and residents.

In addition, state governments have ordered closure of schools and colleges in several coastal districts as a precaution, with some closures extending into Monday.

Preparedness and Emergency Response in Full Swing

In anticipation of worsening conditions, the state disaster management machinery has been mobilised. Around 150 personnel of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been dispatched to vulnerable districts such as Villupuram, Pudukottai and Nagapattinam. Local authorities are putting into use relief shelters, clearing storm-drains, and coordinating with coastal communities to ensure safety. Meanwhile, fishermen have been advised to suspend all marine activity until the cyclone passes.

In agricultural belts of adjoining south-Andhra Pradesh, efforts such as pre-emptive procurement of harvested paddy and distribution of protective sheets to safeguard crops have been expedited to mitigate cyclone-related losses.

Cyclone Did Not Make Direct Landfall, But Risk Lingers

Although Ditwah has come within 25–50 km of the coast, the latest official bulletins indicate that a direct landfall is unlikely. Instead, the cyclone is expected to skirt along the coast — which nevertheless spells continued heavy rainfall, gusty winds and possible flooding over the next 12–24 hours.

However, sea and weather conditions are predicted to remain rough through the night, with squally winds up to 70–80 km/h and gusts touching 90 km/h along south-Tamil Nadu and coastal Andhra Pradesh. Fishermen and coastal populations have been repeatedly warned not to venture out.

Situation Remains Uncertain — Authorities Urge Caution

With rainfall and wind forecasts still in flux, authorities continue to ask residents to stay indoors, avoid low-lying flood-prone areas, and follow evacuation orders where issued. The situation is being closely monitored by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and disaster-management teams, with daily updates promised until the cyclone moves away from the coast.

At this moment, the immediate challenge for southern coastal India lies in handling flooding, protecting coastal populations, restoring transport links, and ensuring safety — even though a full-scale landfall appears to have been averted for now.