Cyclone Ditwah: IMD issues red alert; landfall today

Cyclone Ditwah moved closer to the Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh coasts on Sunday, prompting the IMD to issue a red alert as authorities prepared for heavy rain, flooding and severe coastal disruption. The storm, which has already caused large-scale devastation in Sri Lanka, continues to intensify while advancing across the southwest Bay of Bengal.

IMD Forecast And Storm Movement

According to the IMD, Cyclone Ditwah tracked north-northwest overnight, narrowing its distance from the coastline from 60 km to nearly 25 km by evening. The system is expected to move almost parallel to the North Tamil Nadu–Puducherry stretch over the next 24 hours, bringing intense rainfall and strong winds to southern and delta districts.

Emergency Deployment And Local Preparedness

Five teams of the NDRF’s sixth battalion were airlifted from Gujarat to Chennai to strengthen on-ground response. State authorities have activated control rooms, readied shelters and reviewed evacuation plans as low-lying areas face the risk of flooding, storm surge and landslides. Coastal regions have been advised to stay indoors and avoid travel.

Severe Impact In Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka declared a national emergency after catastrophic flooding and mudslides linked to the cyclone. The country reported 153 deaths and 191 missing, with more than 43,900 people shifted to shelters. Rivers, including the Kelani near Colombo, breached their banks, triggering further evacuations and complicating ongoing rescue efforts.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Cyclone Ditwah prompted a red alert for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh.
• NDRF teams were airlifted from Gujarat to Chennai for deployment.
• Sri Lanka reported 153 deaths and over 43,900 people displaced.
• The cyclone is moving nearly parallel to the North Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coastline.

Heavy Rainfall Risk For South India

In India, heavy to very heavy rain is forecast across coastal Tamil Nadu and adjoining districts. Authorities are monitoring river levels, reinforcing embankments and preparing relief centres as the region faces its second major weather system of the month. Rescue teams remain on standby as landfall or near-landfall conditions intensify risk across vulnerable zones.