New Delhi

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday issued a red alert as cyclonic storm Ditwah, brewing over the southwest Bay of Bengal, continued to move northwards at a speed of 7 kmph, posing a severe threat to northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts.

At 8:30 PM IST, the cyclonic system was centred near latitude 10.5°N and longitude 80.6°E, about 110 km northeast of Jaffna (Sri Lanka), 80 km east of Vedaranniyam, 100 km east-southeast of Karaikal, 180 km south-southeast of Puducherry, and 280 km south of Chennai.
It is forecast to move north-northwestwards and approach the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coastline by the early hours of November 30.

According to the IMD, the cyclone will close in within 60 km by midnight, 50 km by early morning, and 25 km by tomorrow evening, significantly heightening risk levels along the coast.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at numerous locations, with extremely heavy rainfall expected over Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Villuppuram, Chengalpattu, and Puducherry–Karaikal.

Other districts, including Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet, are also likely to experience heavy showers. Isolated heavy rainfall may occur in Vellore, Dharmapuri, Dindigul, and Theni.

The IMD has urged residents to stay indoors, avoid coastal zones, and strictly follow directives from local authorities. Fishermen have been strongly advised not to venture into the sea along the affected coastal stretches.

India launches rescue efforts in Sri Lanka

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka stated that Chetak helicopters deployed under Operation Sagar Bandhu carried out search and rescue operations to help people affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

“Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant carried out search and rescue sorties in Sri Lanka today, supporting people affected by Cyclone Ditwah. India stands firmly with Sri Lanka in this difficult time, working together to save lives and extend timely relief,” the Embassy said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also acknowledged the operations, noting that the helicopters were carrying Sri Lanka Air Force personnel onboard.

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In a post on X, he wrote: “Operation Sagar Bandhu: Two Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant took off for Search and Rescue Operations with Sri Lankan personnel onboard.”