A powerful storm named Cyclone Ditwah — which wreaked havoc in Sri Lanka — is now bearing down on South India’s eastern coast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red- and orange-level alerts for regions including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and parts of southern Andhra Pradesh.
As of Saturday, the system was centered over the southwest Bay of Bengal, moving steadily north-northwest. It is expected to come close to coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry by early Sunday.
Residents along the coast have been warned of intense rainfall, gusty winds and possible flooding. Coastal districts such as Nagapattinam, Puducherry, and areas around Chennai may be the worst hit.
Transport disruption has already begun. Over 50 flights have been cancelled at Chennai airport, and several more domestic and regional flights remain on hold until further notice.
Authorities in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have mobilized disaster response teams, readied relief camps, and urged people to avoid unnecessary travel — especially near coastlines and low-lying areas.
While Ditwah is less likely to make a direct landfall, its peripheral effects — heavy downpours, strong surface winds (up to 60–80 km/h), high tides and rough sea conditions — pose serious risk to coastal communities.
Meanwhile, relief efforts continue in Sri Lanka, where the cyclone caused widespread flooding and a rising death toll. India has also extended humanitarian aid
