Cyclone Ditwah (also referred to as Ditwa in some reports) is a post-monsoon cyclonic storm that has developed from a deep depression in the southwest Bay of Bengal, near the coast of Sri Lanka. It formed as part of the North Indian Ocean cyclone season, which typically runs from October to December due to warm sea surface temperatures in the Bay of Bengal. As of November 29, 2025, the system has intensified into a cyclonic storm, centered approximately 490 km south of Chennai and 380 km south-southeast of Puducherry, moving north-northwest at a speed that positions it for rapid approach to India’s eastern coast.
When is it expected to reach the Indian Coast?
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Ditwah is tracking northwestwards and is expected to make landfall along the coasts of north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh early in the morning of November 30, 2025 (within the next 12-24 hours from today). Gale-force winds are already beginning to affect the region, with the storm’s core reaching these areas by early Saturday (November 30). Fishermen have been advised to avoid the southwest Bay of Bengal until December 1 due to rough seas.
What Are the Expected Effects?
The cyclone is forecast to bring significant weather disruptions to India’s southeastern coastal regions, with the following key impacts:
Wind and Storm Surge: Winds of 70-80 kmph, gusting up to 90 kmph, are expected from the morning of November 29 through November 30, potentially damaging thatched houses, power and communication lines, and standing crops like banana, papaya, and paddy. A minor storm surge of 0.2-0.5 meters above astronomical tide could inundate low-lying coastal areas in districts such as Chengalpattu and Thiruvallur.
Heavy Rainfall and Flooding: Very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall (over 20 cm in isolated spots) is predicted across Tamil Nadu (especially delta districts like Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai), Puducherry, and south coastal Andhra Pradesh (districts including Chittoor, Nellore, Prakasam, and YSR Kadapa) through November 30 and into December 1. This could lead to flash floods, urban waterlogging, and landslides in vulnerable hilly areas. Red alerts are in place for Tamil Nadu’s coastal districts, with orange alerts for north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Early Observed Impacts in India: As of November 29, strong winds have already caused minor incidents, such as a tree falling on a road in Rameswaram (Ramanathapuram district) and a mechanized fishing boat being washed ashore due to turbulent seas. Light to moderate rains are ongoing in north coastal Andhra Pradesh, with reservoirs in Chennai (e.g., Red Hills) releasing water to prevent overflow.
Broader Regional Effects: The system has already caused severe devastation in neighboring Sri Lanka, with at least 56-100 deaths from floods, landslides, and winds triggered by the same weather system. India has responded with relief efforts, including helicopters from INS Vikrant and aid via INS Udaigiri under ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’.
Government Preparations and Safety Measures
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has reviewed preparedness, deploying 12 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 16 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams across 16 districts, including Chennai, Thanjavur, and Thoothukudi. Additional support from armed forces has been requested. Key actions include:
School and college holidays in affected districts like Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Puducherry on November 29.
Evacuations from low-lying areas, setup of emergency shelters, medical camps (with 24/7 fever surveillance), and early warning systems in coastal villages.
Control rooms operational in districts like Nagapattinam for real-time monitoring.
Residents in coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh are urged to stay indoors, avoid travel near the coast, and follow IMD updates. For live trackers, refer to official IMD bulletins or apps. If you’re in the affected area, prioritize safety and heed local evacuation orders.
